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  • IHIF: Ernst & Young: Capital remains major focus for hospitality

    Ernst & Young has released Global Hospitality Insights: Top thoughts for 2013, its annual outlook for the global hospitality industry.

    This year’s publication highlights several key trends more likely to impact hotel development, financing and operations over the following three hundred and sixty five days.

    Among one of the most crucial for the industry, in step with Ernst & Young:

    Finance: For the hospitality industry, 2013 can be shaped by an emphasis on controlling costs in any respect levels of the business in addition to maximizing capital. This may mean continued deferral of overdue maintenance spending and the scaling back of capital improvement projects, as owners decide where best to speculate limited resources.

    Hotel companies also are watching how one can restructure and reposition for tax purposes, with some again contemplating IPOs for REIT transformation which will both reduce the general tax burden and in addition unlock value of their real estate. At the investment front, despite increased regulatory hurdles and constrained capital in certain markets, global private equity and sovereign wealth funds will find lots of opportunities inside the sector.

    Cities: Increased infrastructure spending by city governments, especially in rapid transit to facilitate the movement of travellers from airports to downtown locations, seems to be paying off, as a brand new class of stylish travellers flock to statement-making urban hotels, many offering luxury and upper tier amenities to guests.

    Development: While access to financing continues to be difficult in lots of markets around the globe, new project announcements have risen to the top level in 18 months, reflecting cautious but growing optimism among investors and hotel brands within the trajectory of the worldwide economy.

    Look for brand new hotels to rise in both emerging markets and prime downtown urban locations. New construction is additionally expected in all market segments, particularly inside the upper end of the market and among select service brands appealing to the worth conscious traveller.

    Markets: Africa may be the next major focus for global hotel brands, as more investors target sub-Saharan nations rich in natural resources reminiscent of Nigeria, Gabon and South Africa, for expansion. Globally, most markets experienced steady growth in 2012, with the notable exception of Europe, where economic challenges has been, and remain, the best.

    Commenting at the report, global hospitality services leader Michael Fishbin, said:
    “Hospitality companies continue to judge the capital agendas and concentrate on the very basics in their businesses – maintaining stability and creating operational efficiencies.

    Owners, investors and executives of hospitality assets who sufficiently addressed their capital needs and the changing preferences of guests witnessed an improvement in operating fundamentals over the process the year; in this case, those companies shall be inside the strongest position to further capitalize at the upturn available in the market.”

  • Grenada: the spice of the Caribbean

    From its position on the far southern tip of the Windward Islands chain, Grenada offers visitors a particular, off-the-beaten path experience in addition to a mix of activities, attractions, and historic sites which are hard to search out in every other port of call.

    The Grenada experience begins when a cruise ship pulls into port and passengers get their first glimpse of the Caribbean’s most pretty natural harbor, that is accented by the colourful red and orange rooftops of the island’s 300-year old capital, St. George’s. The Port of St. George’s can accommodate large cruise ships, capable of berth as much as two vessels simultaneously on the Melville Street Cruise Terminal. a 3rd vessel can berth on the northern end of the major quay, and a fourth can anchor within the outer harbor, with passengers brought ashore in tenders. Located at the downtown waterfront of the capital, the Port provides excellent bus and taxi transfer of passengers to waiting tours.

    Passengers can walk in the course of the Sendall Tunnel to go into the center of St. George’s, a city overflowing with history and architectural treasures. Stroll along the famous Carenage, the oldest and most picturesque component to St. George’s, and examine the Christ of the Deep statue. Exploring the quaint cobblestone alleys; visiting the craft shops, boutique stores, and art galleries; and experiencing authentic Grenadian cuisine at one of several many cafes and restaurants in St. George’s is an ideal method to spend the day.

    Known because the “Spice Isle” for the myriad exotic spices that perfume the island, passengers can walk over to the Market Square, that is only a block inland from the cruise terminal. Visitors could be enchanted by the scents of nutmeg, ginger, peppers, cinnamon, turmeric, and a number of alternative spices fresh from picking and processing.

    For the active visitor, Grenada offers everything from snorkeling and diving to hiking and more. Snorkel or dive the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park. Dive a multiplicity of shallow shipwrecks and colorful reefs. Trek into the island’s lush rainforests or visit considered one of Grenada’s extinct volcanoes within the Grand Etang Forest Reserve and Lake. Travel back in time by visiting one of many island’s active plantation estates or take a guided tour to at least one of the rum distilleries and the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station.

    For beach lovers, Grenada offers 45 pristine beaches which can be absolute to fulfill the necessity for an afternoon inside the sun. Passengers can take a fifteen-minute water taxi ride to the area famous two-mile-long Grand Anse Beach and luxuriate in loads of water sports, absorbing rays at the white powder sand or liming at one of many beach bars.

    The Grenada Discovery Train, a little bit trolley inspired by a 1960s steam locomotive, takes visitors on a 35-minute tour during the narrow streets of St. George’s creating a total of 6 stops along the best way. Visitors can get off at historical landmarks inclusive of the Roman Catholic Church, Fort George, and others. The train provides passengers with free admission to a couple attractions before the tour ends on the cruise terminal.

    Senator Hon. Brenda Hood, Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Culture, and Ms. Nicole Moultrie of the Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT), can be representing Grenada in Booth 3206 on the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami, March 11-14, 2013.

    Recognized because the “Spice of the Caribbean,” Grenada boasts the various Caribbean’s most lovely beaches, delectable cuisine and spices, a tropical rainforest, and quite a lot of fun-filled activities corresponding to diving, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, and sailing. Romantic, natural, and authentic, all of nature’s best gifts are available in Grenada.

  • News: American Airlines applies for extra service to Brazil

    American Airlines today filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for the suitable to fly additional Usa – Brazil frequencies beginning in 2013 and 2014. American will use these frequencies so as to add one new daily round trip service from its L. a. and Chicago hubs to Sao Paulo, expanding the airline’s Latin American network footprint to produce even greater choices to its customers.

    Pending government approvals, American proposes to start new service between La and Sao Paulo in late 2013 and Chicago O’Hare and Sao Paulo in late 2014.

    “American is committed to expanding its presence throughout Brazil to check customer demand during this vitally important and growing market,” said Chuck Schubert, American’s Vp – Network Planning.  “With these additional frequencies, we shall offer more options to travel between Brazil and the usa enabling our customers to attach through our growing global network.”

    American currently serves Brazil from Miami to Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Manaus, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo; from Big apple Kennedy to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo; and from Dallas/Fort Worth to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

    American offers greater than 800 weekly flights to 49 cities throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America.

  • News: Oetker Collection appoints two senior vice presidents

    The Oetker Selection of masterpiece hotels has made two significant promotions to new roles in the senior leadership team, because it continues its strong expansion. The Oetker Collection has recently added Palais Namaskar in Marrakech and Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France to its portfolio, and should be opening L’Apogée Courchevel later this year, on 11.12.13.

    Philippe Perd, President and Managing Director of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and castle Saint-Martin, and who’s also project managing the launch of L’Apogée Courchevel, is to become Senior Vp Operations and Project Development; while Didier Le Calvez, President and Managing Director of Le Bristol Paris, who’s also overseeing Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, turns into Senior Vp Operations and Sales & Marketing.

    Since 2001, Philippe Perd has played a key role throughout the Oetker Collection, starting within the position of Managing Director of the Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence. In 2005, he took over the management of the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the tip of the Cap d’Antibes before being appointed, two years later, as President and Managing Director of the 2 masterpiece hotels within the French Riviera. In 2011, he drove probably the most ambitious renovation projects to successful completion on the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. A graduate of Harvard Business School and Inchbald School of Design with a Certificate in Interior Design, his new role includes the conceptual development of latest hotel projects for the Oetker Collection starting with the outlet of L’Apogée Courchevel on 11.12.13. Philippe Perd will supervise the operations of the brand new masterpiece within the French Alps and continue to supervise the running of castle Saint-Martin & Spa and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Philippe Perd may even get the support of Frédéric Picard, who will start in early April in his new role as General Manager for Château Saint-Martin & Spa and L’Apogée Courchevel.

    Didier Le Calvez joined the Oetker Collection in 2010 as President & Managing Director of Le Bristol Paris. Under his leadership, the Parisian palace implemented a lot of major new projects which include the outlet of the new Bar du Bristol, the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie and Epicure, the three Michelin-star restaurant. From the recent York Plaza to the Four Seasons George V in Paris, via the Regent in Singapore and New York’s Pierre Hotel, throughout his 35 year long career, he has demonstrated his talents within the exclusive world of luxury hotels, in addition to his want to make every hotel wherein he has worked a “one-of-a-kind” place. Didier Le Calvez will keep his responsibility at Le Bristol Paris and in his new role supervise Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France in addition to sales & marketing activities for the Oetker Collection.

    Frank Marrenbach, CEO of the Oetker Collection, commented: “These appointments express our trust and gratitude towards a team of exceptional and award-winning hoteliers. With this great team, i’m confident that our vision to create a set of 15 masterpiece hotels inside the coming years should be achieved”.

  • IHIF: Waldorf Astoria Berlin celebrates opening

    Some 800 high-profile guests from the arena of showbiz, society, business and media have attended the exclusive grand opening of Waldorf Astoria Berlin.

    Famous German performers including Elisa Schmidt, Claudia Lahmann & Orchestra, Malvin Louis & Band and DJ Chan entertained guests on the glamourous event which also featured breathtaking performances by aerial dancers who illuminated the brand new landmark hotel.

    Setting a brand new standard in luxury for Berlin and the broader German market, Waldorf Astoria Berlin marries the timeless elegance of the legendary flagship, Waldorf Astoria Ny, with a special design inspired by Berlin’s vibrant and contemporary personality.

    Featuring 232 luxury guestrooms and suites, the hotel sits inside the spectacular new Zoofenster skyscraper, designed by renowned German architect, Professor Christoph Mäckler.

    With a complete of 32 floors and a height of 118 meters all crafted with stone and glass and the city’s highest suite, the luxurious presidential suite at the top floor, the Zoofenster and Waldorf Astoria Berlin are a very magnificent addition to the skyline of Berlin’s City West.

    The hotel’s interior design was conceived by the renowned Parisian agency, Inter Art Etudes, in a timeless yet contemporary interpretation of art deco style.

    From the lobby to the guest rooms and suites, the hotel’s interior design, is worthy of the celebrated legacy of the famed Waldorf Astoria, which opened its doors in 1931 on New York’s Park Avenue.

    The hotel’s enviable location puts guests at the doorstep of a few of the city’s most renowned tourist attractions.

    This includes the historic church, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche, built as a memorial to Kaiser Wilhelm I, the primary man to become emperor of a united Germany. The glamour of the premium shopping boulevard, Kurfürstendamm, known to locals as Germany’s Champs Elysées is solely minutes away and features a plethora of designer fashion houses.

    Waldorf Astoria Berlin boasts a powerful range of dining and drinking experiences in numerous settings and styles.

    The outstanding attraction is the restaurant run by world-renowned French chef, Pierre Gagnaire.

    Boasting 12 Michelin stars at restaurants around the globe, Gagnaire requires little introduction and tables on the opulent “Les Solistes by Pierre Gagnaire” are set to be amongst probably the most highly in demand of the Berlin restaurant scene.