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'Hotels winning battle on flexible pricing'
Dec 04, 06 1:58 am
Hotels seem to be winning their battle to persuade corporates to accept "flexible" pricing according to Margaret Bowler, general manager of hotel relations at HRG UK.In the travel management company's latest worldwide survey of the hotel industry, Ms Bowler said: “Tactical rates have all but disappeared across the industry.”She added: "'Flexible' or 'demand based' pricing, whereby rates 'float' on a daily (or in some cases hourly) basis below agreed consortia/client rates, is now largely industry standard."It is likely that, over the next couple of years, some rate negotiations will centre around an agreed discount off the 'floating' rate."In the UK we are already trialling this with some of our corporate clients but ultimately the challenge for the industry lies in its ability to persuade clients that such a pricing model is in their best interests."Corporates have strongly opposed the introduction of this dynamic pricing model, believing it would force them to pay on occasions higher prices than the hotel's best available rate. Ms Bowler also said that hotels were giving great consideration to the "'profile' of the account in terms of value (i.e. the spread of room night volume over the week, length of stay and spend per stay)."In its survey, HRG said that hotel industry was showing continued growth and a strong average performance worldwide.Moscow was again named as the most expensive city for corporate rates which now stand at an average of £212.19, a rise of 29% on last year.The Russian capital was one of seven European cities among the Top Ten most expensive cities for hotels in the world.The other European cities in the list were: Paris (average rate £157), Milan (£153), London (£146), Stockholm (£142), Geneva (£142) and Rome (£141).Mumbai with an average rate rise of 46% emerged as the city where rates are rising most quickly.Ms Bowler said that the budget hotels had expanded aggressively with an increase in rooms available but said she expected the five-star market to go on performing strongly and to expand in key locations like London, China, Doha, Dubai, Eastern Europe and Moscow.

Out in the Sticks

2006 sees Polarisation of London Hotel Market
Jun 19, 06 1:58 am
Hotel rooms in London with average room rates over £160 are showing double-digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) for year-to-April 2006 according to the latest HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte. This top end segment of the market recorded 7% growth in average room rates and a 12% increase in occupancy, leading to a whopping 20% growth in revPAR compared to the same period in 2005.
In contrast, hotels in London with average room rates under £80 are struggling to see any growth, recording just under 1% increase in revPAR for year-to-April 2006. Rates dropped by 1% and occupancy grew by 1% to 77% compared to the same period in 2005.
Marvin Rust, Hospitality Managing Partner at Deloitte said, “This polarisation in the London market is consistent with what is happening in the UK regions, but on a much more dramatic scale. Top end hotels are more vulnerable to greater fluctuation in both occupancy and room rates, however, the more modestly priced hotels are struggling to lift room rates in a market where price is arguably the predominant factor for customers.”
London recorded 8% revPAR growth on average across all segments, owing to a 5% increase in occupancy levels to 77% and a 3% increase in average room rates to £107.
Airport hotels, which in 2005 were one of the strongest segments of the hotel market for revenue growth, have now levelled out, with Gatwick recording just a 2% increase in revPAR year-to-April 2006 and Heathrow performing only slightly better with 3% growth in revPAR.
“Business travel remained strong, reflected in the performance at the top end of the hotel market. Airport hotels’ slowed growth is consistent with UKinbound’s assessment that it was a relatively flat first quarter for in bound traffic figures and BAA also reporting weaker demand for domestic travel over the same period,” added Rust.
Aberdeen continues to be the top performer in the regions over the period of year-to-April 2006, with 18.5% growth in revenue per available room – sustaining their high rate of 17.5% growth over the course of 2005. This is supported by business demand in the oil industry and the related growth of passenger numbers up 15.9% on 2005.
It should be noted that the HotelBenchmark Survey classifies budget hotels as hotels with an average room rate under £80.

Our little slice of Heaven

The X Factor of Leadership
Jun 19, 06 1:59 am
By Dr. Rick Johnson
There is no such thing as a Born Leader. When people talk about born leaders, what they are really referencing is the X factor of leadership. What is the X factor? Simply stated the X factor is the willingness, the desire and the willpower to become an effective leader. Effective leaders go through a never ending development process that includes education, self study, training, experience and coaching and mentoring from one or several individuals that have a very positive influence on their personal development. Leadership is the ability to influence, inspire and motivate others to accomplish specific objectives. It includes creating a culture that helps direct the organization in such a way that it makes it cohesive and coherent keeping short term tactical goals and objectives in alignment with long term strategic initiatives. The success of leadership in this process is directly influenced by the individual leaders' beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge and skills. Position and title may give you power but power in itself does not make you an effective leader. To become an effective leader there are specific skill sets that you must understand and master. This does not come naturally. It takes dedication, passion and commitment to the process. That commitment, dedication and passion includes a tireless effort to improve on specific skills and the development of a personal leadership methodology. This is often referred to as your personal leadership model. If someone were to ask your subordinates to evaluate your leadership abilities, their response to this question would likely not be related to your character, integrity and values. Of course these are important to your success as a leader but people evaluate your leadership skills based on what you do to figure out who you really are. They are looking for that 'X' factor. The 'X' factor is what really determines if you are honest, ethical, fair, trust worthy and not self serving. If the 'X' factor does not exist, employees are likely to obey rather than follow and only do exactly what they are told to do and nothing more. If the 'X' factor does not exist, your success in developing the skills necessary to become an effective leader is likely to be minimal. The 'X' factor shapes what and who you are as a leader. It involves everything you do and it affects the well being of the organization. Employees want to follow a leader they respect, one that gives them a clear sense of direction and a strong vision of the future. Ask your self these questions to determine if you or other managers in your organization have the 'X' factor. • How well do you know yourself with regard to self improvement and development? • Do you understand, admit and work on personal weaknesses? • Do you seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions striving to reach new heights. • When things go wrong do you take the blame instead of looking for others to blame. • Does problem solving, decision making and planning come natural to you? • Are you a good role model and do you seek out employees with high potential to coach and mentor? • Do you truly believe in the value of your employees sincerely caring about their well being without being so compassionate that it clouds your judgment on competence? So you believe you and your executive team all have the 'X' factor. As effective leaders you must be able to interact with employees, peers, seniors and many other individuals both inside and outside the organization. You must gain the support of many people if you are going to meet or exceed established objectives. This means that you must develop or possess a unique understanding of people. The 'X' factor is the driving force that will help you develop these skills. Human nature is the common qualities of all human beings. People behave according to certain principles of human nature. Understand these principles that govern our behavior and success is imminent. Start with the basics by revisiting your college study of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Armed with a refresher of this basic knowledge of human behavior you can now begin to reshape your personal leadership model. This is your manner and approach to providing direction, implementing plans and motivating people. If you have that 'X' factor you can become a very effective leader. But remember, There is no such thing as a 'Born Leader'. Effective leaders go through a never ending development process. We never stop learning and we never stop growing. Keep working on your leadership model and share your knowledge and success with other potential future stars that have the 'X' factor.

Bulgarian Properties For Sale

Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts Debuts Niche Hotel Concepts
Sep 22, 05 1:52 am
Generation X and family travelers have new homes within the Holiday Inn family From its annual Americas Investors and Leadership Conference, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today unveils two niche hotel concepts within the Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts family of brands geared towards Generation X and families. Holiday Inn is repositioning its Holiday Inn Select(R) line extension for Generation X and is introducing a new Holidome(R) Recreation Center model for family leisure travelers.This year Gen Xers are expected to account for more than 349 million room nights, making it the fastest growing generation of travelers(1). And families make up 74 percent of all leisure travel(2), which is poised to surpass business travel in room nights for the first time ever(1)."Our core Holiday Inn brand remains strong with a broad cross-section of the traveling public," said Mark Snyder, senior vice president of Brand Management for Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts in the Americas. "As Generation X and family leisure travelers increase in market share, the timing is right to introduce a refreshed Holiday Inn experience for these guests -- a Holiday Inn that demonstrates we know what matters most to them and speaks directly to their individuality, energy and lifestyles."Holiday Inn Select: Targeting Gen XHoliday Inn today debuted plans for a new Holiday Inn Select prototype hotel, designed to meet the needs of the brand-conscious, peer-focused, tech- savvy Gen X traveler. InterContinental Hotels Group hopes to begin construction on the first of these new Holiday Inn Select properties in Atlanta in 2006 and grow the brand to a total of 200 properties in airport, urban and secondary markets by 2010. All of these new-build Holiday Inn Select hotels will open with the complete suite of Gen-X offerings, and guests at the 91 existing Holiday Inn Select properties can expect to experience all the Gen X-focused amenities and services by early 2007."This new Holiday Inn Select hotel will be purpose-built to accommodate our unique brand-within-a-brand approach," said Snyder. "The 53.1 million members of Generation X represent the most significant market opportunity today and into the future. Holiday Inn already compares above key competitors for Gen X penetration, and we intend for this new Select positioning to solidify that lead," he added.The Holiday Inn Select prototype includes dedicated space for social activities and branded elements like a new Sporting News Grill restaurant -- a first of its kind partnership between the media giant and Holiday Inn -- and new Fitness by Nautilus workout centers, which will ensure travelers a comprehensive exercise experience with a brand they trust.

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The desire to make Gen Xers feel at home on the road even extends to the new employee uniforms, which include contemporary pieces from Pacific Trail that reflect current fashion trends like cargo pants, fleeces and boldly patterned shirts. Holiday Inn Select hotels already offer brand-savvy guests items like Wolfgang Puck coffee, Moen showerheads, Garden Botanika bath amenities and FedEx/Kinko's Online DocStores, all introduced earlier this year. With the additions of free high-speed Internet access, free Wi-Fi and new iHome MP3 clock radios in every room, Select will satisfy the Gen-X need for technology and convenience.Elements of Feng Shui will be employed throughout the building's architecture and room design to tailor the hotels' interiors to the Gen X lifestyle and create a balanced, calming and inviting stay experience with a sense of purpose."Our research tells us there is far more to this demographic than red velvet couches," added Snyder. "This generation works hard and plays harder. Our approach with this hotel is not 'design for design's sake,' but rather functional lifestyle design based on the needs and habits of the Gen X traveler."Holidome(R) Recreation Center for FamiliesTo meet the needs of today's increasingly time-starved families, Holiday Inn has refined the Holidome Recreation Center concept and is introducing prototype designs intended as additions to the Holiday Inn next-generation hotel model introduced in 2004. For owners who want a more extensive offering, Holiday Inn also is unveiling a turnkey Indoor Waterpark model. Franchisees will get their first glimpse at both prototypes at the IHG Conference today."Within the leisure market, there is an increasing consumer affinity for water-based recreation, and a growing trend for short, drive-to vacations," said Snyder. "The new-and-improved Holidome Recreation Center and Indoor Waterpark concepts will offer families the one-stop, stress-free retreat they want, with assurance their quality time is weather-proof."The Holidome concept was introduced in the early 1970s and spread to an estimated 130 hotels across the US and Canada and is now ripe for an upgrade to meet today's consumer expectations for water-based recreation.

Designs for Holidome Recreation Centers and Indoor Waterparks include indoor activity elements like shuffleboard, water slides, wading pools, mini-geysers and aquatic basketball hoops, as well as spa and exercise features for parents, in a choice of three themes: Southwestern, Caribbean or Northwoods.In addition to offering the new prototype designs, Holiday Inn will introduce standards for properties with existing Holidome facilities later this year that will require hotels to upgrade their Holidome facilities to include enhanced water features, dry recreation elements like shuffleboard, and a food and beverage component. Holiday Inn begins selling the new Holidome and Indoor Waterpark features today as part of the new Holiday Inn hotel design.

Condos USA

We arrived in Monterey around 3:30 in the afternoon… The windshield wipers were on the whole way in, though at continually variable settings, from a hard rain to a soft mist, usually something in between… But it didn’t matter, really. What I find charming and captivating and relaxing about Monterey is not lost in the rain. It just takes on a different hue... A strong, steady rain took hold just as we were checking in. After moving the bags from the truck to the room, we started off on the first of the many customary walks, typically either along the harbor or down cannery row and on into Pacific Grove. This time, we walked along Cannery Row on a blustery and wet Saturday afternoon. Our intent was to walk from one end of Cannery Row, our hotel room, to the other end, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Arriving late enough in the afternoon provides the savvy tourist the option of returning the next day on the same ticket. One can enjoy the Aquarium just as the crowds are thinning out, and then come back the next day and do it again… It’s the way to do it… The lateness and the storminess of the day notwithstanding, the theory of fewer crowds near the end wasn’t quite so effective this time. Moving through the darkened deep water exhibit one must scan the field at all levels lest one run over a three-year-old running a mad diagonal against traffic at full throttle. And God bless the energy and enthusiasm of a curious three-year-old! However, it seemed a little crowded for me. I’m easily annoyed by crowds, to my own detriment I suppose. Much of life is inevitably spent in a crowd, and it’s better to feel comfortable in them than not. I do fine; I work in crowds all the time. But if I had my druthers, it’d be just fine with a little more solitude… The sea attracts the lonely sailor and Monterey is a town of the sea. From the sea are her roots, and from the sea she celebrates her heritage. To look out on the sea is to find a moment – a point – of solitude… One doesn’t seek out points of solitude at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, however, and we left, having seen our favorites and a couple of new things. The Aquarium runs the fine line between observing an eco-system and disturbing an eco-system. My uneducated, gut reaction is that they run that line very well. It is good, after all, to have all those energetic three-year-olds darting about in awed excitement at all the strange and wonderful creatures. The role of education is not to be taken lightly. And that goes for old-timers like me as well as three-year-olds… They do a fine job bringing the life of the sea up close for observation. And awe… ____________________________________________ “Excellent!” With a strong emphasis and a slight pause on the “Ex” was a word that was starting to make me downright cranky as our dinner along the surf of Cannery Row wound to a gratifying close… Our only complaint was our waiter. He provided adequate service. He was just annoying and we didn’t like him. He responded to everything with “EXX ..celent” “I’ll have the angel-hair pasta…” “EXX ..celent” “Can I have a glass of water?” “EXX ..celent” “I’d like a glass of chardonnay…” “EXX ..celent” “We’d like the check, please…” “EXX ..celent” “If you say “excellent” one more time, I’m going to jump through this plate-glass window and run into the ocean…” “EXX ..celent” There was no stopping him. It was unsavory. Back to the room at the end of Cannery Row, overlooking the half mile or so of San Carlos Beach, the harbor, and Fisherman’s Wharf beyond… To a moment of solitude… Despite its overuse this evening, it is this view that is truly excellent…

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