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Front Desk |
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§ Investment boom in Africa opens lodging expansion opportunities
An influx of foreign investors to African countries is encouraging expansion into the continent by hotel chains and airlines, according to this feature. Hotels say they are eyeing potential growth in countries such as Ghana, Libya and Rwanda. "We are looking more at investing in sub-Saharan Africa, especially the oil-producing countries," said Hubert Joly, president and CEO of Carlson. Reuters (3/9)  ? ? ? ? 
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Business Update |
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§ LaSalle announces $143.8M purchase of luxury Hotel Palomar
LaSalle Hotel Properties says it has paid $143.8 million for Hotel Palomar in Washington, D.C. Management of the 335-room property will remain with Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group. "The hotel is in great physical condition and offers several attractive amenities. With the acquisition of this hotel, Kimpton now manages 10 of our assets and we are excited to build upon this relationship," said Michael D. Barnello, LaSalle's CEO. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (3/9), Bloomberg (3/9) ????
§ Hyatt plans to reflag 2 Avia properties under Andaz brand
Hyatt Hotels is looking to convert a pair of Avia hotels in Napa, Calif., and Savannah, Ga., to its boutique Andaz brand. The reflagging will follow renovations at both hotels. Travel Weekly (3/9) ????
§ ONE Group acquires Tropicana's Las Vegas clubs
ONE Group of New York will take ownership of the clubs at the Tropicana Las Vegas and rebrand the day venue Bagatelle Beach. ONE Group already controls the STK restaurant at the Cosmopolitan. "Following the successful opening of STK at the Cosmopolitan, we are extremely excited to expand our footprint here in Las Vegas with Bagatelle," said ONE Group CEO Jonathan Segal. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (3/8) ????
§ Other News
· Dubai Group puts Jumeirah Essex House in N.Y. up for sale
The Wall Street Journal (3/11) ????
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Market Trends |
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§ Diversification drive ramps up among Mexico hotels
Resort hotels in Mexico are starting to veer away from the traditional all-inclusive experience to meet the ever-evolving demands of tourists. A number of luxury brands now tout an increased focus on authentic Mexican experiences, while some hotels are embracing sustainability and incorporating nature into their property design. "Guests are looking for ways to celebrate the environment, not just minimize the damage," said Bryan Algeo, a vice president at WATG. HotelNewsNow.com (3/9) ????
§ London hotel industry is enjoying lift from Olympics, Diamond Jubilee
The upcoming Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Summer Olympics will generate 3.9% growth in London's hotel sector in 2012, U.K. estate agency Savills said in an investment report. "The surprise pick-up in consumer confidence seen in January, which tends to pre-empt retail spend, may mean we see renewed domestic tourism demand bolstered by the feel-good factor associated with the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee," Savills said. However, Savills also projects a 3.3% decline in growth in U.K. hotels outside London. CNBC (3/9) ????
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Hot Topics |
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Top five news stories selected by AH&LA SmartBrief readers in the past week.
§ Starwood plan lets preferred guests have check-in, check-out their way (Portfolio.com)
§ Hotel executives defend their brand strategies (HotelNewsNow.com)
§ Hotels playing catch-up with amenities for female business travelers (4Hoteliers)
§ Eco-friendly drive intensifies among hotels (Travel Weekly)
§ STR: Leisure travel continues to drive overall demand growth (HotelNewsNow.com)
· Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.
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Most Popular Headlines from Last Week
Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers. |
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Spotlight on Technology |
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§ Retargeting promises significant returns for hotels
A number of hotel firms are reporting strong returns on investment from an online marketing campaign called retargeting. This advertising method identifies consumers that visit a hotel's website and leave without booking, and subsequently serves ads on websites that the consumers visit next, to entice them to return and book. "The huge opportunity is that with really specific information and a relatively small budget, you can give the impression that you're advertising across the whole Internet," said Josiah MacKenzie, director of business development with ReviewPro. HotelNewsNow.com (3/9) ????
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Best Practices |
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§ Column: Service quality improves with positive reinforcement
Hoteliers can develop their employees' service performance better by fostering a positive environment for it -- encouraging engagement, rewarding achievements and leading by example, writes Roberta Nedry of Hospitality Excellence. "Hospitality leaders need to create an optimistic environment and encourage positive energy and efforts if they want employees to deliver positive energy and efforts for guests," Nedry writes. Hospitality Net (3/9) ????
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Development |
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§ Miami Beach, Fla., pushes for redevelopment of convention center
City officials in Miami Beach, Fla., have submitted a request for qualifications for developers interested in redeveloping 52 acres of prime land in South Beach, including the aging Miami Beach Convention Center. The proposed project also calls for a 60,000-square-foot ballroom and a convention center hotel with 800 guestrooms. The Miami Herald (free registration) (3/10) ????
§ Renovations are under way to revive Iowa hotel
Owners of the Sioux City Hotel & Conference Center in Iowa have begun renovations on several floors of their property to convert them into extended-stay apartments. The project makes up part of an extensive remodeling drive that earlier included the lobby and elevators to modernize the hotel and revive business. Sioux City Journal (Iowa) (3/11) ????
§ Other News
· Developer hopes to break ground on Napa Valley, Calif., hotel this year
Napa Valley Register (Calif.) (3/9) ????
· Tax deal may get plan to transform hotel in Montecito, Calif., moving
Los Angeles Times (3/11) ????
· Demolition of building in Boston paves way for planned 175-room hotel
Boston Herald (3/11) ????
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AH&LA News |
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§ New ADA regulations in effect
How much do you really know about complying with the new ADA regulations, especially when it comes to your employees? It's time to test your knowledge -- visit www.ahla.com/knowledge for five key questions your property must know how to answer. You'll find additional resources as well. It's time to be in compliance -- or be subjected to a fine. ????
§ Strengthen expertise, affect industry change
Sit side-by-side with industry professionals working in your same capacity in a forum dedicated to furthering your specialty. AH&LA members can participate in more than 30 committees, ranging from HR to technology and F&B and everything in between. Most meet twice a year and there's no cost to join. Learn more at www.ahla.com/committees. ????
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