Potential Buyers are Checking out the 11 Buildings at the Closed and Rundown 800-room Delta Orlando Resort / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Potential Buyers are Checking out the 11 Buildings at the Closed and Rundown 800-room Delta Orlando Resort By Robert Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, Fla. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 10--A recently shuttered hotel in a prime spot between Universal Orlando and the Mall at Millenia could be transformed into luxury lodging with pricey shopping and eating.  Potential buyers are kicking the tires, or at least the tennis courts, pools and 11 buildings at the rundown 800-room Delta Orlando Resort, which abruptly closed its doors in December following a long decline in...

International Occupancy and Rate Report / November 2002 / Deloitte & Touche / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report International Occupancy and Rate Report November 2002 Summary Report The HotelBenchmark Summary Report for November 2002 from Deloitte and Touche illustrates the continuation of mixed performance for hotels across Asia Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  To mitigate the impact of seasonality, the rolling 12-month summary report reflects the performance of a consistent sample of hotels between December 2001 and November 2002. Key markets across the Asia Pacific region demonstrate that occupancy levels generally improved both for the month...

Intrawest Corp. Resorts Team With Datavision To Streamline Information / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Intrawest Corp. Resorts Team With Datavision To Streamline Information   Leading Resort Developer Becomes Latest Datavision Convert Weston, Fla.— (January 8, 2003) Datavision Technologies, a software solutions firm that specializes in data warehousing and business intelligence systems for the hospitality industry, has added Intrawest Corp., a Vancouver, B.C.-based resort developer and operator, to its growing roster of lodging clients. Datavision is installing its Decisions™ Business Intelligence System throughout Intrawest resorts in Canada and the United States.  “The Decisions™ R...

Best Western Adopts Latest Datalex Internet Booking Engine Technology / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Best Western Adopts Latest Datalex Internet Booking Engine Technology Datalex’s solution to provide Best Western’s guests and travel professionals  with powerful search, information and booking capabilities. Birmingham, UK/Dublin, Ireland, January 20, 2003 – Best Western International Inc. and Datalex (ISE: DLE; OTC: DLEXY), announced today an agreement in which Datalex will supply its new hospitality booking-engine solution to the world’s largest hotel brand. The technology will extend a range of online searching and booking capabilities to customers and travel professionals via Bes...

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Datalex Lights Up LasVegas.com -  Datalex’s Internet Technology Enables Travel Portal to Market Renowned Destination Brand Atlanta/Dublin Ireland, January 13, 2002 – Datalex (ISE: DLE; OTC: DLEXY) next-generation Internet booking engine technology has been deployed at the re-launched www.LasVegas.com portal, where it enables destination-based travel enterprises to market their services more profitably. Using Datalex’s latest technologies visitors can book hotel accommodations, air and car transportation. For the first time, the Datalex solution facilitates complex searches of everything Las...

Northwind Appoints Dave Carrick Director of Operations, Increases Value-Add to Customers Using Maestro Property Management Solutions / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  .Special Report Northwind Appoints Dave Carrick Director of Operations, Increases Value-Add to Customers Using Maestro Property Management Solutions Markham, ON – January 7, 2003 – NORTHWIND, a leading global supplier of software and eCommerce solutions that increase productivity and maximize revenue for hotels and hospitality organizations, announced today the appointment of Dave Carrick, member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers, Chairman of York Technology Association, and Managing Director of Smart Markham Community Organization Inc., as Director of Operations.  “NORTHWIND’s Maestro Pr...

Outrigger's President and CEO David Carey Named Hotel Person of the Year by Travel Agent Magazine / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Outrigger's President and CEO David Carey Named Hotel Person of the Year by Travel Agent Magazine HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII - Travel Agent magazine, the nation's leading publication serving travel professionals across the United States, has named Outrigger's President and CEO David Carey its Person of the Year for 2002 in the Hotels and Resorts category.          For the past 14 years, Travel Agent magazine has asked its editors and reporters in their respective beats to nominate worthy individuals who have made significant contributions to the travel industry and to their indust...

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report   Cunard Line’s $800 million Queen Mary 2 to Set Sail with Onity When construction of the transatlantic luxury liner is completed in December 2003, Queen Mary 2 will be the largest, longest, tallest and widest passenger vessel ever built; the one-of-a-kind flagship cruiser will serve as a floating hotel during the 2004 Olympic games in Athens ATLANTA / MIAMI — JAN. 15, 2003 — “Destined to become the benchmark by which all other passenger ships will be judged,” it’s no surprise Queen Mary 2 turned to none other than Onity, Inc. (formerly TESA Entry Systems) to secure thousands of ...

Midwestern Chain Targets Value-Conscious Senior Market; Picks New Channel Marketing Provider to Power Goal of 100% Increase in Bookings / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Midwestern Chain Targets Value-Conscious Senior Market;  Picks New Channel Marketing Provider to Power Goal of 100% Increase in Bookings Cross Country Inns, Pioneer in Limited Service, Picks VIP International Corp. to Leap Past Three Years Without Internet Bookings Calgary, Alberta, Canada - January 14, 2002 - VIP International Corporation, a channel marketing provider referred to in the industry as "the number one producer of bookings per client," today announced that Dublin, Ohio-based Cross Country Inns signed a contract for its Global Distribution System (GDS), Internet marketing, and travel agency consortia se...

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Opens 25 Properties in 2002; Commits $18 million for Development of Company Owned Properties / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Opens 25 Properties in 2002; Commits $18 million for Development of Company Owned Properties MINNEAPOLIS -- (January 28, 2002) – Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, a highly successful international mid-tier lodging chain with over 315 locations, had a good year in 2002 despite the economic slow down.  It opened 25 new properties worldwide and signed 28 license agreements.  With the construction of its 210-room premier hotel at Newark International Airport, the brand is looking ahead to seek development in strategic markets such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Se...

GS Consorcio Operador of Mexico City Opens the First Country Inns & Suites in Mexico / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report GS Consorcio Operador of Mexico City Opens the First Country Inns & Suites in Mexico Hotel is Located in Central Mexico in San Luis Potosi MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (January 6, 2003) – Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, a highly successful international mid-tier lodging chain with over 315 locations worldwide, today announced the opening of its first hotel in Mexico in the city of San Luis Potosi, centrally located between Mexico City and Monterrey.  Country Inns & Suites is part of Carlson Companies, one of the world's largest hospitality and travel companies, and the opening of this ne...

Conrad Bangkok Opens with Low Room Rates to Help Capture Market Share / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Conrad Bangkok Opens with Low Room Rates to Help Capture Market Share By Nondhanada Intarakomalyasut, Bangkok Post, Thailand Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 17, 2003 - Amid the glut of five-star hotel rooms in central Bangkok, the Conrad Bangkok believes an attractive pricing policy will fill slightly more than half of the 392 rooms in the first year of the luxury hotel's operation.  General manager Gregory Meadows said the new hotel on Wireless Road should initially achieve a 55-60 percent occupancy. The number of hotel rooms in Bangkok currently exceeds 75,000...

Conrad Opens 15th Luxury Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand; Greg Meadows, Opening General Manager / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Conrad Opens 15th Luxury Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand;  Greg Meadows, Opening General Manager BRUSSELS, January 13, 2003: Conrad Hotels, the award-winning luxury group within the Hilton family of brands, adds another flagship property with today’s opening of the Conrad Bangkok.  This hotel is an exceptional property with remarkable features and an innovative approach to delivering the finest hospitality. “We are delighted to announce the opening of the Conrad Bangkok which is our third hotel in Asia and our 15th worldwide” said Clem Barter, President Conrad Hotels.  “We are c...

Choice Hotels Partners With Connect-Worldwide For International Sales Development / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Choice Hotels Partners With Connect-Worldwide For International Sales Development SILVER SPRING, MD (January 20, 2003)  - Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) announced today that it has entered into an international sales and marketing representation agreement with Connect-Worldwide, an international sales and marketing outsourcing company that focuses on the travel industry.  Connect-Worldwide has been selected to develop and manage a network of seventeen general sales agents around the world, covering sales in thirty countries.  “Connect-Worldwide is excited about developing and ma...

Developers of Hotel Commonwealth at Kenmore Square Pressured by City of Boston to Correct Exterior Paint Color / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Developers of Hotel Commonwealth at Kenmore Square Pressured by City of Boston to Correct Exterior Paint Color By Thomas C. Palmer Jr., The Boston Globe Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 23, 2003 - There's a makeover planned for the new Hotel Commonwealth at Kenmore Square even before it opens.  Following a storm of criticism by city officials and community residents, the yellowish prefabricated panels on the hotel's window bays are expected to be painted a more pleasing shade, developer Frank Keefe said yesterday.  City officials said they expected that change to...

Hotel Commonwealth Blends French Architecture, Technology; Timothy P. Kirwan Opening Managing Director / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  News for the Hospitality Executive  Hotel Commonwealth Blends French Architecture, Technology; Timothy P. Kirwan Opening Managing Director By Thomas C. Palmer Jr., The Boston Globe  Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 3, 2003 - When the new Hotel Commonwealth opens in Kenmore Square in two months, it will live in two worlds.    Its semi-ornate French Second Empire architecture will recall a rich era when stately hotels shared space with residences along the outer reaches of Boston's Commonwealth Avenue.  But its extensive internal network of communications gear, providing wireless Web access ...

Slow, Steady and Strong Wins the Race / Colliers International Hotels / INNvestment Canada Fourth Quarter 2003 / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Colliers International Hotels . INNvestment Canada Fourth Quarter 2002 Slow, Steady and Strong Wins the Race January 2003 - Looking back on 2002, the Canadian economy showed resilience and a slow but steady recovery from 2001that was stronger than our U.S. neighbours. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is forecast to increase by 3.3% in 2002 and a further 3.8% in 2003, compared to expected GDP growth in the United States of only 2.4% and 3.2% in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The Canadian economy also saw approximately 56,000 new jobs in 2002 in contrast to the U.S., which lost about 181,000.  More specific to the hotel ...

Simon Nemni, Co-owner/Developer and Rafael Barrera, General manager Preparing to Open the South Beach's Clinton Hotel Following $12 million Reno

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Simon Nemni, Co-owner/Developer and Rafael Barrera, General Manager Preparing to Open the South Beach's Clinton Hotel Following $12 million Renovation January 15, 2003 - One of the most anticipated additions to South Beach's burgeoning hotel scene, the Clinton Hotel, is set to re-open in February 2003, upon completion of a $12 million renovation at 825 Washington Avenue, in the heart of South Beach’s internationally famed entertainment and fashion district.  The Clinton represents one of the final chapters in the story of South Beach's transformation to a world class resort desti...

Mirror Defogger Clears Global Barriers / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report    Mirror Defogger Clears Global Barriers ST. PAUL, MN, December 10, 2002 — NewHome Bath and Mirror, Inc., the innovator of the ClearMirror™ line of electrical bathroom mirror defogging products, announced their globally adaptable International ClearMirror™ Tuesday. “We have been searching for a manufacturing partner that has plants both overseas and here in the United States to more efficiently service our expanding list of global clients,” stated Reid Sellgren, Clear Mirror Vice President. The International ClearMirror™ can now be manufactured in Europe, making the product more read...

The University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management to Open The Gee Technology Learning Center, Named in Honor of Dean Emeritus Chu

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report The University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management to Open The Gee Technology Learning Center, Named in Honor of Dean Emeritus Chuck Yim Gee January 15, 2003 - The University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) will hold a grand opening for the Gee Technology Learning Center, a state-of-the-art facility to support the School’s curriculum, training and distance education programs, on January 24, 2003 at 2:00 – 4:00 pm in George Hall on the UH Manoa campus. The Gee Technology Learning Center, named in honor of Dean Emeritus Chuck Yim ...

Choice Hotels Canada Finalizes 25 Hotel Agreements in 2002 / Jan 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report  Choice Hotels Canada Finalizes 25 Hotel Agreements in 2002 TORONTO, ON, January 25, 2003 - Last year was a busy one at Choice Hotels Canada. In one year's time, the company launched a new guest rewards program, Choice Club Plus, introduced several successful new programs to assist its franchisees and finalized 25 hotel agreements with 2416 guest rooms. The result was a very strong year with the highest number of guest rooms signed in the company's history. "Choice Hotels Canada achieved strong financial results in a challenging year," said Frank Zaid, a director on the Choice Hotels Canada bo...

Charging Chevy's Restaurant with Regularly Serving Liquor to Underage Patrons, Family Awarded $1.5 million in Death of Son / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Charging Chevy's Restaurant with Regularly Serving Liquor to Underage Patrons, Family Awarded $1.5 million in Death of Son By Ted Bell, The Sacramento Bee, Calif. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 21, 2003 - Chevy's restaurants will pay $1.5 million to the parents of a 20-year-old California State University, Sacramento, student who was fatally injured in a car crash following a night of binge drinking 15 months ago at Chevy's on Howe Avenue.  Under the terms of the settlement, the Emeryville-based corporation also will contribute $50,000 to fund an alcohol awarene...

Caribbean Hotel Association Charitable Trust Seeks Sustainable Funding Formula Between Regional Governments and the Private Sector; Goal to Increase C

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online  Special Report Caribbean Hotel Association Charitable Trust Seeks Sustainable Funding Formula Between Regional Governments and the Private Sector;  Goal to Increase Caribbean Market Share  NEW YORK (January 28, 2003) –  Chairman of the Caribbean Hotel Association’s Marketing Committee, Allen Chastanet, is encouraged with the Caribbean’s efforts to market the region as a single destination, but wants to see industry stakeholders quickly reach agreement on a sustainable funding formula for the critically important program.   Speaking to reporters in New York this month, he reported that the Caribbean...

Analysts Expect Upswing in Lodging; Central Florida Hoteliers Less Optimistic / January 2003

January 30, 2003

Hotel Online News for the Hospitality Executive Analysts Expect Upswing in Lodging; Central Florida Hoteliers Less Optimistic By Jerry W. Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel, Fla. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News  Jan. 29--The U.S. lodging industry is rebounding from the worst downturn in 20 years, but a significant recovery is still at least a year away, analysts with the Ernst & Young accounting firm said Wednesday in an annual report on the industry.  "The worst is now behind us," said Chase Burritt, the report's author and Ernst & Young's Hospitality Services Group National Director.  "In 2002 the mentality was 'batt...