The total revenues of Dubai hotels and hotel apartments during the first nine months of 2007 touched AED8.7 billion on the back of a 7% increase in guests and 17.6% rise in guest nights compared with the corresponding period last year, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) reported on the concluding day of the World Travel Market in London.
Giving details about the stellar performance of the impressive portfolio of hotels and hotel apartments during January and September 2007 compared with the corresponding period last year, DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem said more than 5.1 million guests stayed with Dubai hotels, recording an increase of 7%. Similarly, the number of guest nights crossed the 15 million mark, posting an increase of 17.6%.
The number of operating hotel establishments was 441, an increase of 7.1%. The total revenues of hotel establishments stood at AED8.7 billion, a solid growth of 20.3%.
The number of available hotel rooms increased by 5.4% to 32,244. The average hotel rooms occupied rose by 9.7%, while the average room occupancy was 86.9%, an increase of 4.1%.
The total hotel apartment flats available were 10113, an increase of 16.8%, while the flat occupancy jumped up by 2.4% to touch 83.4%.
Mr. bin Sulayem said, "The excellent performance is a reflection of our marketing and promotional initiatives, especially in the overseas markets, to position Dubai as the world's leading tourism hub. It is also the fruit of an inspirational public-private sector partnership and government's unwavering determination to be a model destination."
Dubai is aiming to attract 15 million visitors by the year 2010, almost doubling the numbers from the present 6.5 million a year.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Starwood signs First Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Malaysia
Starwood is expanding its Four Points by Sheraton brand in Asia Pacific with the signing of its first property in Malaysia, the Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Sarawak, which is scheduled to open in early 2009.
The Four Points by Sheraton brand was introduced to Asia Pacific a few years ago with hotels in Sydney, Geelong, Shenzhen and Chung Ho, and now has grown to a portfolio of 15 hotels, including 6 which are in operation and 9 under development in China, Cambodia, Vietnam and now Malaysia.
"We are thrilled with the signing of our first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Malaysia. The Four Points by Sheraton brand is very popular among our customers and investors alike, as we have spent a lot of energy and laid the groundwork in the last 2 years. This brand is expected to grow faster than our luxury and upper upscale brands given the strong domestic travel in many markets, including Malaysia," said Miguel Ko, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.
The Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Sarawak will consist of 300 rooms, 3 restaurants, a lounge and a pool bar, as well as over 17,000 square feet of meeting space. Located within 10 minutes drive from the city center of Kuching and 5 minutes drive from the Kuching International Airport (second largest airport in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur), the hotel will be easily accessible from the airport as well as retail centers, offices and high end residences.
Kuching, the capital of the East Malaysia state of Sarawak, overlooks the South China Sea and is the fourth largest urban city in Malaysia.
The Four Points by Sheraton brand was introduced to Asia Pacific a few years ago with hotels in Sydney, Geelong, Shenzhen and Chung Ho, and now has grown to a portfolio of 15 hotels, including 6 which are in operation and 9 under development in China, Cambodia, Vietnam and now Malaysia.
"We are thrilled with the signing of our first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Malaysia. The Four Points by Sheraton brand is very popular among our customers and investors alike, as we have spent a lot of energy and laid the groundwork in the last 2 years. This brand is expected to grow faster than our luxury and upper upscale brands given the strong domestic travel in many markets, including Malaysia," said Miguel Ko, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.
The Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Sarawak will consist of 300 rooms, 3 restaurants, a lounge and a pool bar, as well as over 17,000 square feet of meeting space. Located within 10 minutes drive from the city center of Kuching and 5 minutes drive from the Kuching International Airport (second largest airport in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur), the hotel will be easily accessible from the airport as well as retail centers, offices and high end residences.
Kuching, the capital of the East Malaysia state of Sarawak, overlooks the South China Sea and is the fourth largest urban city in Malaysia.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Prince Hotel & Residence, Kuala Lumpur joins WORLDHOTELS
Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur, a 5-star international hotel near the famous Petronas Twin Towers in the heart of the Malaysian capital, has joined WORLDHOTELS' Deluxe Collection.
"We are delighted to join WORLDHOTELS because we feel that their global reach and international marketing expertise will really help us to gain more international exposure - especially for meetings and events and overseas FIT travellers," said Lyndon Discombe, General Manager of the Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur.
The 608-room Prince is located In Kuala Lumpur's 'Golden Triangle' Central Business District, the hotel is directly opposite The Pavilion KL, Kuala Lumpur's newest talk of the town shopping mall, and only a short stroll from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), close to 'Embassy Row' and numerous corporate offices including Shell Global Solutions, ExxonMobil, BP Asia Pacific and Boeing, it also neighbours the Bintang Walk entertainment hub and Bukit Bintang shopping district.
A leading meeting, conference and banqueting venue for medium-scale gatherings in Kuala Lumpur, the hotel features 448 stylish guest rooms and suites, along with 160 serviced apartments, incorporating the convenience and luxury of a 5-star international hotel with the comfort of home.
Short and long-term guests may choose from one-bedroom and family apartments to a penthouse, with residences incorporating a private lounge for breakfast.
High-tech features throughout include wireless broadband internet, multi-feature phones and workstation desks.
Renowned F&B options range from the chic Eccucino Brasserie and award winning Tai Zi Heen Chinese Restaurant to Taishojin Japanese Restaurant, Fidel's Cigar Room, a Mezzanine Bar and Lounge, and Terrace Pool Bar and Grill.
Integrated conference and meeting facilities on a dedicated floor accommodate up to 1,500 with nine function rooms including the Grand Prince Ballroom and Prince Ballroom. Facilities incorporate all the latest state-of-the-art technology, telecommunication systems and audio-visual presentation tools, backed by a highly trained MICE market team.
A Business Centre provides both individual work stations and private boardrooms for meetings as well as professional secretarial and administration services. A cosy Business Lounge adjacent to the Business Centre is ideal for informal meetings.
On another dedicated level is a beautifully landscaped Tropical Garden and swimming pool, as well as Fitness Centre with the latest work-out equipment and a Kids Club to keep children occupied and entertained throughout the day.
Also featured is the Mandara Spa, a resort-style city spa with Balinese design and a menu blending traditional Asian treatments with the latest spa techniques and products. Several of the treatments rooms offer panoramic Kuala Lumpur city views.
"We are delighted to join WORLDHOTELS because we feel that their global reach and international marketing expertise will really help us to gain more international exposure - especially for meetings and events and overseas FIT travellers," said Lyndon Discombe, General Manager of the Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur.
The 608-room Prince is located In Kuala Lumpur's 'Golden Triangle' Central Business District, the hotel is directly opposite The Pavilion KL, Kuala Lumpur's newest talk of the town shopping mall, and only a short stroll from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), close to 'Embassy Row' and numerous corporate offices including Shell Global Solutions, ExxonMobil, BP Asia Pacific and Boeing, it also neighbours the Bintang Walk entertainment hub and Bukit Bintang shopping district.
A leading meeting, conference and banqueting venue for medium-scale gatherings in Kuala Lumpur, the hotel features 448 stylish guest rooms and suites, along with 160 serviced apartments, incorporating the convenience and luxury of a 5-star international hotel with the comfort of home.
Short and long-term guests may choose from one-bedroom and family apartments to a penthouse, with residences incorporating a private lounge for breakfast.
High-tech features throughout include wireless broadband internet, multi-feature phones and workstation desks.
Renowned F&B options range from the chic Eccucino Brasserie and award winning Tai Zi Heen Chinese Restaurant to Taishojin Japanese Restaurant, Fidel's Cigar Room, a Mezzanine Bar and Lounge, and Terrace Pool Bar and Grill.
Integrated conference and meeting facilities on a dedicated floor accommodate up to 1,500 with nine function rooms including the Grand Prince Ballroom and Prince Ballroom. Facilities incorporate all the latest state-of-the-art technology, telecommunication systems and audio-visual presentation tools, backed by a highly trained MICE market team.
A Business Centre provides both individual work stations and private boardrooms for meetings as well as professional secretarial and administration services. A cosy Business Lounge adjacent to the Business Centre is ideal for informal meetings.
On another dedicated level is a beautifully landscaped Tropical Garden and swimming pool, as well as Fitness Centre with the latest work-out equipment and a Kids Club to keep children occupied and entertained throughout the day.
Also featured is the Mandara Spa, a resort-style city spa with Balinese design and a menu blending traditional Asian treatments with the latest spa techniques and products. Several of the treatments rooms offer panoramic Kuala Lumpur city views.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Best Western Targets 30 Hotels in Japan by 2010
Best Western International has ambitious plans for Asia, targeting 30 hotels in Japan by 2010, and a total of 200 hotels in Asia within the next three years.
Best Western Vice President International Operations Asia, Glenn de Souza, expressed his optimism on this achievable goal. “Visitor arrivals to Japan have shown strong growth in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue into the foreseeable future,” he said. “The ‘Visit Japan’ campaign has also given these numbers a timely boost.”
Mr de Souza added that Japan’s current economic conditions make the country more attractive to foreign visitors than in the past, while it continues to maintain strong fundamentals as a politically stable business hub.
“Japan has a lot to offer as a destination,” said Mr de Souza. “It is an art and cultural centre, has stunning architecture and is home to a range of natural attractions.”
Mr de Souza added that expansion in Japan will focus on major cities, with the ‘Premier’ brand receiving much of the attention. The aim is to meet the trend of providing convenient accommodation, while taking a share of the market away from smaller, cheaper “capsule” hotels.
Recent Best Western additions to Japan include the 228-room Best Western Joytel Osaka that occupies the top 10 floors of a modern tower and the 80-room Best Western Wakayama, which features spacious rooms in the city center.
Best Western Joytel Osaka’s guestrooms feature the latest electronic amenities, hot tubs and spectacular views of the city. Located in southwest Osaka and just a 10 to 20-minute subway ride from downtown, the hotel provides a 100-sqm function room capable of hosting 60 delegates as well as two 32-sqm breakout rooms.
Best Western Wakayama offers quick access to the world-famous Wakayama Chinese noodle restaurants as well as the area’s hot springs. The hotel presents a daily buffet breakfast with 10 rotating menus, and the lobby features a large-screen TV, massage machines and computers.
Several other Best Western hotels coming on line in 2009-2010 are in various stages of construction, renovation and re-branding. Among these are properties in Aomori, Hokkaido, Ishikawa, Kagoshima, Kobe, Nagano, Okinawa, Saga, Sasebo, Sendai and Tokyo with more destinations in the pipeline.
Already operating in Japan are Best Western Takayama, Best Western Kochi and Best Western Premier Hotel Nagasaki, each of which boast 80% annual occupancy rates.
Best Western Vice President International Operations Asia, Glenn de Souza, expressed his optimism on this achievable goal. “Visitor arrivals to Japan have shown strong growth in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue into the foreseeable future,” he said. “The ‘Visit Japan’ campaign has also given these numbers a timely boost.”
Mr de Souza added that Japan’s current economic conditions make the country more attractive to foreign visitors than in the past, while it continues to maintain strong fundamentals as a politically stable business hub.
“Japan has a lot to offer as a destination,” said Mr de Souza. “It is an art and cultural centre, has stunning architecture and is home to a range of natural attractions.”
Mr de Souza added that expansion in Japan will focus on major cities, with the ‘Premier’ brand receiving much of the attention. The aim is to meet the trend of providing convenient accommodation, while taking a share of the market away from smaller, cheaper “capsule” hotels.
Recent Best Western additions to Japan include the 228-room Best Western Joytel Osaka that occupies the top 10 floors of a modern tower and the 80-room Best Western Wakayama, which features spacious rooms in the city center.
Best Western Joytel Osaka’s guestrooms feature the latest electronic amenities, hot tubs and spectacular views of the city. Located in southwest Osaka and just a 10 to 20-minute subway ride from downtown, the hotel provides a 100-sqm function room capable of hosting 60 delegates as well as two 32-sqm breakout rooms.
Best Western Wakayama offers quick access to the world-famous Wakayama Chinese noodle restaurants as well as the area’s hot springs. The hotel presents a daily buffet breakfast with 10 rotating menus, and the lobby features a large-screen TV, massage machines and computers.
Several other Best Western hotels coming on line in 2009-2010 are in various stages of construction, renovation and re-branding. Among these are properties in Aomori, Hokkaido, Ishikawa, Kagoshima, Kobe, Nagano, Okinawa, Saga, Sasebo, Sendai and Tokyo with more destinations in the pipeline.
Already operating in Japan are Best Western Takayama, Best Western Kochi and Best Western Premier Hotel Nagasaki, each of which boast 80% annual occupancy rates.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Westin Hotels & Resorts launches Superfoods Focused Menu
Westin has teamed up with SuperFoods Partners to become the first hotel brand to create a SuperFoods focused menu for their guests.
Superfoods known for being health-enhancing and rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients will be the main ingredient in Westin signature dishes such as banana oatmeal brulé, green-tea-infused salmon and molten dark chocolate cake. The initiative, which is currently rolling out in 25 Westin hotels in the U.S. and Canada, will go global in 2008 with the introduction of the Westin Signature Breakfast, a SuperFoods breakfast selection that will be offered at all Westin properties. To kick off the launch in Asia Pacific, all the 23 Westin hotels in the region will start to introduce SuperFoods items in their in-room dining menus.
"We are proud to be the first hotel brand to embrace the SuperFoods concept," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "Advancing the health benefits of the SuperFoods on our menus underscores Westin's commitment to helping guests live their best lives and create healthful habits that will stay with them long after their stay with us."
The Westin SuperFoods menu is not a diet, but dishes that contain the SuperFoods-fruit, vegetables, grains and proteins which are known to improve well-being and longevity-are marked by the SuperFoods greenleaf logo . The logo signifies that a menu item has been approved by SuperFoods's team of nutritionists and doctors, and that the selection contains nutritionally significant amounts of one or more of the SuperFoods.
Key to the SuperFoods philosophy, and likewise to the new Westin menu, is "food synergy". Emerging science shows that certain foods play off of each other. Food synergy refers to foods that, when paired together, are even more nutritious than when they are eaten separately, for example:
- Avocados increase the absorption of antioxidants in other superfoods such as spinach and tomatoes.
- Sprinkling spices, such as black pepper on your food can increase the absorption of nutrients found in superfoods like spinach, beans, berries, green tea, and broccoli.
- Cinnamon and whole grains such as oats work together to control blood sugar
- Eating a handful of walnuts with any meal helps burn fat after you've left the table.
- Honey supplies 'fuel' for the healthy bacteria found in low fat and non-fat yogurt.
- Blueberries, wild salmon, avocados and spinach are all "brain food," each supplying a different combination of nutrients which will all work in synergy to provide an optimum cellular environment for our brains.
Westin's new menu is the latest in a string of initiatives rolled out recently with a focus on personal renewal, including the recent formation of the Westin Renewal Council, a panel of six lifestyle experts who advise the brand on wellness initiatives.
Superfoods known for being health-enhancing and rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients will be the main ingredient in Westin signature dishes such as banana oatmeal brulé, green-tea-infused salmon and molten dark chocolate cake. The initiative, which is currently rolling out in 25 Westin hotels in the U.S. and Canada, will go global in 2008 with the introduction of the Westin Signature Breakfast, a SuperFoods breakfast selection that will be offered at all Westin properties. To kick off the launch in Asia Pacific, all the 23 Westin hotels in the region will start to introduce SuperFoods items in their in-room dining menus.
"We are proud to be the first hotel brand to embrace the SuperFoods concept," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "Advancing the health benefits of the SuperFoods on our menus underscores Westin's commitment to helping guests live their best lives and create healthful habits that will stay with them long after their stay with us."
The Westin SuperFoods menu is not a diet, but dishes that contain the SuperFoods-fruit, vegetables, grains and proteins which are known to improve well-being and longevity-are marked by the SuperFoods greenleaf logo . The logo signifies that a menu item has been approved by SuperFoods's team of nutritionists and doctors, and that the selection contains nutritionally significant amounts of one or more of the SuperFoods.
Key to the SuperFoods philosophy, and likewise to the new Westin menu, is "food synergy". Emerging science shows that certain foods play off of each other. Food synergy refers to foods that, when paired together, are even more nutritious than when they are eaten separately, for example:
- Avocados increase the absorption of antioxidants in other superfoods such as spinach and tomatoes.
- Sprinkling spices, such as black pepper on your food can increase the absorption of nutrients found in superfoods like spinach, beans, berries, green tea, and broccoli.
- Cinnamon and whole grains such as oats work together to control blood sugar
- Eating a handful of walnuts with any meal helps burn fat after you've left the table.
- Honey supplies 'fuel' for the healthy bacteria found in low fat and non-fat yogurt.
- Blueberries, wild salmon, avocados and spinach are all "brain food," each supplying a different combination of nutrients which will all work in synergy to provide an optimum cellular environment for our brains.
Westin's new menu is the latest in a string of initiatives rolled out recently with a focus on personal renewal, including the recent formation of the Westin Renewal Council, a panel of six lifestyle experts who advise the brand on wellness initiatives.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts opens Resort in Koh Chang
For the first time in its more than 50-year history, Dusit International has opened Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts' first resort hotel, the Dusit Princess Koh Chang, occupying 150 metres frontage on the beachfront of Ao Bai Lan.
Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President of Dusit International, said, "This is Dusit Princess's first resort property, since all our existing hotels have city locations. Koh Chang is the ideal site being the second largest island of Thailand from Phuket, and there are only a few 5-star resorts on the island. Dusit Princess Koh Chang is especially an exciting property for us, and will enable us to show to great advantage what we are able to do in building up a resort."
The Dusit Princess Koh Chang resort has a total of 96 guest rooms: Superior, Pool Deluxe, Beachfront Deluxe, Pool Villas, Beachfront Villas and two suites, all with complete modern amenities and private balconies overlooking either a garden or sea view.
Dusit Princess Koh Chang's signature restaurant, The Bay, provides all-day dining with international cuisine, located on the ground floor overlooking the sea. The Reef Bar is the specialty restaurant and bar, also overlooking the sea. In addition there is also a lobby bar and a pool bar.
Plenty of fun in the sun awaits guests on the private beach or free-form outdoor swimming pool. A Kids Club and several outdoor water activities ensure something to keep the whole family occupied throughout their stay. Other facilities include a spa and fitness, a Business Center, high speed Internet access, a 288 sqm-meeting room able to accommodate up to 200 persons for medium-sized meetings, and tour and transportation services for guests.
Koh Chang is expected to become an even more popular destination due to the development of Trat Airport, government initiatives to promote Koh Chang as a major tourist destination, existing ferry from island-to-island taking just 20 minutes each way, and increasing flight frequencies from a local carrier.
Among the major tourist attractions are Koh Chang National Marine Park, occupying 80% of the island, teeming with fascinating wildlife and marine life, not to mention diving and numerous water sports options.
Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President of Dusit International, said, "This is Dusit Princess's first resort property, since all our existing hotels have city locations. Koh Chang is the ideal site being the second largest island of Thailand from Phuket, and there are only a few 5-star resorts on the island. Dusit Princess Koh Chang is especially an exciting property for us, and will enable us to show to great advantage what we are able to do in building up a resort."
The Dusit Princess Koh Chang resort has a total of 96 guest rooms: Superior, Pool Deluxe, Beachfront Deluxe, Pool Villas, Beachfront Villas and two suites, all with complete modern amenities and private balconies overlooking either a garden or sea view.
Dusit Princess Koh Chang's signature restaurant, The Bay, provides all-day dining with international cuisine, located on the ground floor overlooking the sea. The Reef Bar is the specialty restaurant and bar, also overlooking the sea. In addition there is also a lobby bar and a pool bar.
Plenty of fun in the sun awaits guests on the private beach or free-form outdoor swimming pool. A Kids Club and several outdoor water activities ensure something to keep the whole family occupied throughout their stay. Other facilities include a spa and fitness, a Business Center, high speed Internet access, a 288 sqm-meeting room able to accommodate up to 200 persons for medium-sized meetings, and tour and transportation services for guests.
Koh Chang is expected to become an even more popular destination due to the development of Trat Airport, government initiatives to promote Koh Chang as a major tourist destination, existing ferry from island-to-island taking just 20 minutes each way, and increasing flight frequencies from a local carrier.
Among the major tourist attractions are Koh Chang National Marine Park, occupying 80% of the island, teeming with fascinating wildlife and marine life, not to mention diving and numerous water sports options.
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