| January 11, 2013 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Report: Saudi Arabian hotel market has gap in economy brands
A lack of branded economy hotels in Saudi Arabia could represent a significant growth opportunity for international chains, a study by Colliers International found. "[G]iven that only 19% of all economy hotels across Saudi Arabia are branded, our view is that there is a market gap for this asset class. Further to this Colliers analysis for the period between 2013 and 2017 concluded that the market can potentially absorb 34,882 rooms over and above forthcoming supply in the coming five years," the group said. Hotel Management online
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- Asian hotels will lead meetings segment in 2013, group says
American Express Meetings & Events' 2013 forecast for the meetings industry indicates that the Asian region will enjoy the highest growth in meetings spending and activity. Spending and activity in North America will be relatively unchanged. "[O]rganizations in North America will need to balance their likely flat budgets with the increasing demands of their stakeholders to deliver effective meetings that deliver on business objectives," said Issa Jouaneh, a vice president at American Express Meetings & Events. HotelNewsNow.com
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- Mixed-use hotel development offers potential for strong returns
The benefits of building a mixed-use hotel property could significantly outweigh the legal and financing difficulties that are usually encountered in such projects, developers and investment experts say. "Combining uses on top of each other, it makes for a synergistic use. Complimentary amenities, shared parking, sharing costs split among all the different users so it operates more efficiently," said Brian Gordon, a vice president at Magellan Development Group. HotelNewsNow.com
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- Renovations on Isle Casino in Biloxi, Miss., under way
Work to transform the Isle Casino in Biloxi, Miss., into a Golden Nugget has begun. The hotel rooms at the property are now being upgraded. "We are moving fast to bring a new product to the customers in Biloxi. We want people to see the new rooms. We want them to get excited for the changes that are coming this year," said Amy Chasey, Golden Nugget's vice president of marketing. WLOX-TV (Biloxi, Miss.)
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- Miami building to undergo restoration, redevelopment into new hotel
Plans have been unveiled to restore the former International Building in Miami and eventually turn it into a hotel. "Our initial plan calls for a $6 million investment before we are able to move on to the hotel's design. ... This primary investment accounts for approximately 30% of the total investment we are planning to devote to the development of the hotel," said Daniel Peña Giraldi, general manager of developer Stambul USA. GlobeSt.com
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Pool lift deadline only weeks away
Jan. 31 marks the date that properties must provide at least one means of entry (pool lift or slopped entry), have the pool lift out in position and ready for use all hours the pool is open, have a separate means of entry for each pool/spa, and pool lifts must be attached to the pool deck or apron in some manner. Find details on what you need to consider to be compliant here.
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Recognize your Star employees
AH&LA's 2013 Stars of the Industry Awards competition recognizes the industry's top employees, programs and lodging property achievement in 11 categories. The national deadline is Feb. 15, and there is no cost to enter. For more information on Stars of the Industry, the award categories, the nomination process and the list of 2012 winners, please visit www.ahla.com/Stars.
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The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has announced plans to acquire several hotels in St. Paul, Minn. The group declined to specify its targets, but sources say a DoubleTree by Hilton and a Crowne Plaza will be the properties acquired. 
