| December 6, 2012 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Budget hotels hope recovery is on the horizon
The status of the economy-hotel segment is markedly different from that of the boom years in the 1980s, this feature says. Average occupancy in U.S. markets has yet to surpass 60% for a full year since 1995 as deteriorating supply continues to erode revenue. However, the recent acquisition of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands by a Blackstone Group affiliate has raised hopes that the sector will finally see a recovery. HotelNewsNow.com
(12/5)      
| Business Update | | |
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- Mexico unveils its first hotel-focused REIT
The launch of FIBRA Hotelera Mexicana on the Mexican stock exchange marked the birth of the first hotel-focused real estate investment trust in Mexico. The REIT's emergence comes amid growth in the country's lodging sector, drawing interest from foreign and domestic private investors. HotelNewsNow.com
(12/4)
| Market Trends | | |
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- Westin Hotels expands gear-lending program worldwide
Westin Hotels & Resorts has announced that its gear-lending program in partnership with New Balance has been expanded to its entire global portfolio. The program allows guests to borrow a variety of fitness gear and equipment as well as fitness content provided by New Balance. TravelAge West
(12/3)
- Tourism numbers in Arab regions show signs of recovery
Sustained peace in several Arab countries has led to rising tourism numbers and growth in hotel performance. Hotel results in Morocco and Tunisia are close to fully rebounding, while Egypt is expected to recover in 2013. However, political instability in Yemen and Syria continues to erode tourism in those countries. HotelNewsNow.com
(12/4)
- Carlton Hotel in NYC unveils suites
The Carlton Hotel in New York has debuted three specialty suites -- the Terrace Suite, the Broadway Diva Suite and the Speakeasy Suite -- along with two updated penthouse suites. The Corner Pocket penthouse suite boasts a 1950s Brunswick Centennial billiards table, while the New Yorker penthouse suite features covers of New Yorker magazine that date to the 1920s. Frequent Business Traveler
(12/4)
| Spotlight on Technology | | |
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- Virtual concierges give hotels mobile edge
Hotels are increasingly adding virtual concierge services as more customers carry mobile devices. Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels and the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia are launching virtual programs, which leaves some people wondering if the technology will replace human concierges at luxury hotels. Hotel Management online
(12/4)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Column: 10 attributes that hotel general managers must possess
An exceptional general manager must possess an outstanding memory and knowledge in a wide range of fields, writes Larry Mogelonsky, president of LMA Communications. Essential traits that make great general managers also include a sense of humor, a love for their job, patience and a sense of fairness. Hospitality Net
(12/3)
| Development | | |
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- Construction begins on Rising Star Casino's hotel
Work has begun on a hotel at the Rising Star Casino & Resort in Rising Sun, Ind. The construction of the 104-room facility should be completed late next year. Full House Resorts CEO Andre Hilliou said the enhancement is needed as the gambling business in the region grows. "The additional hotel rooms will also aid in protecting the future revenue stream of the city ... from an increasingly competitive marketplace," Hilliou said. Cincinnati.com
(12/3)
| AH&LA News | | |
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Information center provides wealth of resources
AH&LA members have unlimited access to a full-service research center dedicated to assisting them with industry-related questions. The AH&LA Information Center maintains extensive working files on thousands of hospitality-related topics. Contact Research Manager Tamika Figgs at informationcenter@ahla.com or 888-743-2515 with your member questions.
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Safety and Security Resources available from AH&LA
AH&LA has seen an increase in the number of members requesting safety and security resources. AH&LA works closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve hotel property awareness as it relates to terrorism and have partnered on several resources, including videos and a risk self-assessment tool. Additionally, you can download the award-winning Traveler Safety Tips. The Educational Institute also has security training products.
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