| February 8, 2013 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Starwood posts decline in Q4 earnings in otherwise strong year
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has reported net income of $142 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with $167 million during the same period in the previous year. However, earnings in 2012 rose to $562 million, from $489 million in 2011. Global revenue per available room during the fourth quarter was up 4.1% from the same period in 2011, excluding acquisitions and currency fluctuations. Bloomberg Businessweek
(2/7), TravelPulse
(2/7)      
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- Wyndham CEO highlights strategies as platforms for expansion
Wyndham Worldwide is exploring "creative" growth strategies as it looks to maintain strong performance results achieved in 2012, says Wyndham Chairman and CEO Stephen P. Holmes. Some of the methods the company plans to pursue are its mixed-use development strategy and the use of its time-share business to land deals, Holmes said. HotelNewsNow.com
(2/6)
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- 66% of business travelers can book online, but only 33% do so
A leading provider of IT solutions for the global tourism and travel industry has released a report that indicates two-thirds of business travelers now have the opportunity to book their travel through an online agent. However, the Business Travel Insights report created by Amadeus reveals that only about half that number take advantage of this option. Travel Daily UK (U.K.)
(2/6)
- Israel aims to boost tourism amid security concerns
Although security is a concern, hotel development and travel are on the rise in Israel, and even the government is pitching in with grants. "It's understood by the government that tourism here is very sensitive to the political and geopolitical environment, and if we want investors to build big hotels for hundreds of millions of shekels, we have to help them," said Eran Nitzan, the Ministry of Tourism's senior deputy director for infrastructure development and investments. The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem is set to open this summer. Bloomberg
(2/6)
| Spotlight on Technology | | |
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- Enthusiasm is called key to providing a memorable travel experience
When interacting with customers, travel-industry professionals should project enthusiasm, courtesy and humor to put people at ease and win their trust, writes Peter Tarlow, president of Tourism & More. "Machines do ordinary transactions; people perform unique and memorable transactions. Always be real and let your customers know that serving others is not merely something that you do, it is something that you choose to do!" Tarlow writes. eHotelier.com
(2/6)
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| 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 impact if harnessed, it 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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