tourism news 10 feb 2012-hotels

Friday News in Brief Some current conversation starters... Younger holidaymakers are put off cruises by the perceived cost and concerns about being with older passengers. According to a poll of 1,327 people aged 18-25 who had never cruised, a third (34%) said that they would like to do so. However, just over half (51%) of these were ‘concerned' that other passengers would be ‘much older' than themselves, while 28% believed that a cruise would be ‘much more expensive' than an alternative beach holiday. According to the research by online cruise travel agency bonvoyage.co.uk, a fifth (21%) of the respondents said they plan to embark on a cruise holiday in the ‘near future', but 38% said it is ‘unlikely' they will book a cruise holiday soon. The majority (86%) had not experienced a wide range of holiday types, for reasons such as not having the opportunity, concerns they wouldn't enjoy different holidays, and that they simply ‘lacked imagination'. Chris Brown, co-founder of bonvoyage.co.uk, said: ‘It wasn't too surprising to see that people think cruise holidays are expensive because they are often marketed as a luxury holiday. ‘However, they certainly don't all come with a luxury price tag. It can often be forgotten that cruise holidays offer the opportunity to visit a variety of countries, countless bars and restaurants and have beautiful scenic views; all of which I am sure would appeal to the younger generation.' The Mercer gains recognition in Hong Kong... The Mercer, managed by Kosmopolito Hotels International has been recognized by Hong Kong Business High Flyers 2011 as an Outstanding Enterprise in the "Boutique Hotel" category. The 55-room boutique hotel, opened in early 2011, is just steps away from the heart of Central in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Business Magazine has conferred the award annually since 2004. The award aims to formally acknowledge industry-leading enterprises that offer innovative products and exceptional services. Commenting on the award, Mr. Philip Schaetz, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing of KHI, said: "Boutique hotels are becoming an essential segment in the hospitality industry. We are pleased to see that The Mercer is recognized as one of the leading players in this segment." Carlson Rezidor leapfrogs Hyatt Hotels Corp on room count... The newly-established Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group brings together a consolidated footprint it will jointly market, clinching it the ninth position among the largest hotel companies worldwide. It will also see global alignment and management of its brands, and collaboration on revenue generation engines, purchasing opportunities and staff development. According to 2010 room count ranking results published by Hotels Magazine last September, Rezidor was 13th while Carlson was 19th. With its latest move, Carls Rezidor leapfrogs over companies such as Hyatt Hotels Corp and Westmont Hospitality Group. However, there is no change in the legal status or ownership structure of both companies, and Carlson continues to be the majority shareholder in Rezidor with a 50.03 per cent ownership on a fully-diluted basis. Carlson Rezidor has 1,319 hotels operating and contracted pipeline hotels worldwide, with 154 in Asia-Pacific. Rezidor oversees the bulk of the group's portfolio in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Key Appointments in the Industry Congratulations to these new appointments... SilverNeedle Hospitality announced the appointment of its new Managing Director and CEO, Iqbal Jumabhoy today. Mr. Jumabhoy will lead SilverNeedle Hospitality in its journey towards becoming the leader in Asian hospitality. Mr. Jumabhoy is an experienced Chief Executive with in depth expertise in a number of industries including banking, real estate and corporate management. He has served on the boards of listed companies in the United Kingdom, India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Most recently, he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Rendezvous Hospitality Group. A subsidiary of the Straits Trading Company Ltd; the Rendevous Hospitality Group owns and operates hotels in Singapore, China, Australia and New Zealand. Grace Bay Resorts announces the appointment of John Vasatka as the New General Manager at The Veranda Resort Turks and Caicos. With 28 years of international hospitality experience, Vasatka is well-suited to oversee all operations and guest services for the 168-room, 10-acre property, including eight private beachfront villas, Marin, the resort's signature beachfront restaurant with second-floor Sky Lounge, Sabai Spa by Elemis, VIK Kids Town, three swimming pools, a tennis court and meeting facilities. Prior to joining The Veranda Resort, Vasatka worked intently with five Amanresorts across the globe, including Amanresorts, Amman, Jordan (pre-opening), Amanyara, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, (opening and subsequent operations), Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka (opening), Amanpulo, Philippines and Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand, Amanresort's flagship property. His experience also includes serving as Resident Manager at Little Dix Bay, A Rosewood Resort, Virgin Gorda, B.V.I, and Boca Beach Club General Manager at Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton, Florida. The Latest in Hotel Openings Best Western International has continued its Middle Eastern expansion with the launch of its first ever hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in the booming Gulf city of Al Khobar, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Sand Rose Suite Hotel features 48 rooms and suites, and a range of facilities to excite both business travellers and family groups. The guestrooms include 12 hotel rooms and 36 luxurious suites, which range from 70-150m². The Junior Suites are ideal for couples, while the two-bedroom Executive Suites cater for mid-size families. The larger Panorama Suites offer two bedrooms with a separate living and dining area and kitchenette, and the expansive Royal Suites feature three bedrooms, a large living and dining space, kitchenette and an extra guest bathroom. All rooms and suites include complimentary Wi-Fi and offer panoramic views across the glittering city skyline, the thriving corniche or the azure waters of the Gulf. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a luxurious hideaway resort and branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental on the Bodrum Peninsula in Turkey. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, which is slated to open in 2014, will be located on a 60 hectare waterfront site on the northern side of the peninsula, at ‘Cennet Koyu' or Paradise Bay, offering panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. Built on a series of levels nestled in the resort's landscaped hillside, surrounded by ancient olive groves and pine trees, this luxurious destination resort offers the perfect retreat. The resort's 82 exclusive guestrooms and 20 suites will provide the largest accommodation in the area, all with stunning sun-decks and terraces, and many with private gardens and infinity edged pools. The development also includes 214 luxury private homes which will be branded and managed as Residences at Mandarin Oriental, providing a unique opportunity for ownership along the Turkish Riviera which is also known as the Turquoise Coast. Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, "DoubleTree by Hilton is delighted to continue expansion of our Latin American presence by introducing another rewarding hotel experience with the DoubleTree by Hilton Panama City. This seventh DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opening in the region in such an outstanding global gateway city is an extraordinary milestone for our brand's global growth. With outstanding hotel products like this, the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is quickly becoming recognized in Latin America by hotel developers and traveling consumers seeking upscale hotel experiences along with a personalized, welcoming level of service, style and hospitality."