Wednesday 10 July 2013

ALPA Calls for Thorough Investigation of Asiana Flight 214 Accident

Travel Industry Wire Warns Against Making Conclusions Based on Partial Data

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, released the following statement regarding the crash landing of Asiana Flight 214 in San Francisco on Saturday, July 6, 2013.

First and foremost, our thoughts are with those who were involved in the accident this past Saturday. From the crew to the passengers to the families and first responders, we hope they can gain some comfort during this difficult time.

ALPA is stunned by the amount of detailed operational data from on-board recorders released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) this soon into the investigation. The amount of data released publicly during the field portion of the accident investigation is unprecedented.

It is imperative that safety investigators refrain from prematurely releasing the information from on-board recording devices. We have seen in the past that publicizing this data before all of it can be collected and analyzed leads to erroneous conclusions that can actually interfere with the investigative process.

The release of individual data points from the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder—without the context of the entire body of factual investigative data—represents a potential detriment to flight safety. It encourages wild speculation, as we have already seen in the media, about causes of the accident before all the facts are known, before investigators have the ability to determine why the events occurred, and in this case before the flight crew had even been interviewed.

This premature release of partial data is often taken out of context and creates the impression that the NTSB has already determined probable cause even before the investigation has started. Since each factor of flight, landing, airport environment, and crew is part of safe air travel, we need to ensure that reckless release of information is not sensationalized by the media for the purpose of a few headlines.

ALPA has long supported an objective accident investigation process that is based on the fundamental principle of obtaining all the facts to perform accurate analysis in the context of all factors that may have led to an accident. We stand ready to assist the NTSB or any state investigative agency in obtaining those facts and ensuring that an appropriate operational context is maintained.

ALPA urges the NTSB to make sure that the objective investigative process continues by gathering all the facts and relevant information before leading the public to believe that a cause has been determined.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilots union, representing more than 50,000 pilots at 33 airlines in the United States and Canada.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

HeBS Digital Empowers Hoteliers to Fight Back and Shift Share from the OTAs with a 20% Off Summer Promotion

HeBS digital HeBS Digital invites hoteliers to 'Shift Share from the OTAs to the Property Website' with a Summer promotion, offering substantial savings of 20% off website design packages for the Three Screens (desktop, mobile, tablet).

HeBS Digital, the leading hospitality digital marketing, technology and direct online strategy firm, is pleased to announce a 20% off “Shift Share from the OTAs to the Property Website” promotion. Hoteliers who partner with HeBS Digital this summer will receive 20% off any website design package for desktop, mobile and tablet.

This promotion was specifically designed to help hoteliers lessen their dependency on the OTAs and drive more direct bookings through the property website. Independent hotels are particularly OTA-dependent: Last year, more than 76 percent of online bookings for non-branded hotels came from the OTAs and just 24 percent came from the hotels’ own websites (STR, HSMAI Foundation). 

The “Shift Share from the OTAs to the Property Website” package includes:  20% off a website design package, including desktop, mobile and tabletOne hour customized best practices workshopAction plan for driving direct online bookingsHotel website and online presence analysis “The industry is feeling the pain from OTA dependency now more than ever and hotel owners, managers and franchisees are urgently trying to devise ways to lessen their exposure to the OTA channel” said Max Starkov, President & CEO of HeBS Digital. “Now more than ever, the main focus and priority for any hotelier should be to sell as much inventory via the hotel website as possible. The hotel website is the most cost-effective distribution channel that also preserves rate parity and price erosion. Simultaneously with an up-to-par hotel website, hoteliers should be taking full advantage of “traditional” ROI-focused direct online channel initiatives such as SEO, SEM, online media and re-targeting, as well the new meta search marketing initiatives such as Google Hotel Price Ads, TripAdvisor Meta Search, Trivago, Kayak, etc.” 

The hospitality industry’s overdependence on the OTA channel is painfully visible.  It is time for the industry to fight back and shift share from the OTAs to the direct online channel i.e. to the hotel website. HeBS Digital gives hoteliers the tools needed to increase direct online channel bookings and dramatically improve the hotel’s bottom line. 

Hoteliers interested in partnering with HeBS Digital and learning more about this package can click here.

About HeBS Digital:

Founded in 2001, HeBS Digital is the hospitality industry’s leading full-service digital marketing, hotel website design and online channel strategy firm, based in New York City (www.HeBSDigital.com). 

HeBS Digital has pioneered many of the best practices in hotel Internet marketing, social and mobile marketing, and direct online channel distribution. The firm has won over 250 prestigious industry awards for its digital marketing and website design services, including numerous Adrian Awards, Davey Awards, W3 Awards, WebAwards, Magellan Awards, Summit International Awards, Interactive Media Awards, IAC Awards, etc.

A diverse client portfolio of top-tier major hotel brands, luxury and boutique hotel brands, resorts and casinos, hotel management companies, franchisees and independents, and CVBs are benefiting from HeBS Digital’s direct online channel strategy and digital marketing expertise. Contact HeBS Digital’s consultants at (212) 752-8186 or success@hebsdigital.com. 

Editorial Contact:

Mariana Mechoso Safer
HeBS Digital
Phone: 212-752-8186
Email: mariana@hebsdigital.com
Web: http://www.hebsdigital.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hebsdigital
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeBS_NYC
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hebs-digital

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Please click the link below to request more information from the organization or company featured in this article.

Request Information from HeBS digital


View the original article here

Nevada Jury Ruling Upholds Liquor Laws and Protects State’s Wine Consumers, Customers and Suppliers from Illegal Gray-Market Merchandise

Restaurant News Resource Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc. (MMD USA), a leading US wine importer and marketer of luxury brands such as Louis Roederer Cristal, along with Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern), the country’s leading wine and spirits distributor, responded today to the recent decision of the eight-person Clark County District Court jury.

The jury found that two Los Angeles-based import companies had improperly imported, marketed and sold counterfeit and distressed—i.e., “gray-market”—versions of luxury imported wine brands owned by MMD and represented by Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada (SWS-NV). The recent ruling addressed the improper actions of the two Los Angeles companies dating back to 2002—and included economic-loss and punitive-damage awards to MMD and SWS-NV.


“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the wisdom of the eight-member jury in applying Nevada law in a thoughtful and fair manner that accounts for the impacts across Nevada’s consumers, retailers and suppliers alike.”
Commenting on behalf of MMD USA, Gregory Balogh, President & Chief Executive Officer, said, “This is a significant victory against gray marketers who are opportunists and have little interest in preserving the image or quality of the brand. I am humbled and pleased by the court’s well-thought-out decision of this decade-long journey of perseverance on behalf of the integrity of our brands marketed, sold and consumed in Nevada.” Balogh continued, “First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the wisdom of the eight-member jury in applying Nevada law in a thoughtful and fair manner that accounts for the impacts across Nevada’s consumers, retailers and suppliers alike.”

SWS-NV Senior Managing Director Larry Ruvo added, “This judgment will reassure retail customers and consumers that they are serving and enjoying, respectively, legitimate branded merchandise produced and distributed for this marketplace. It will also provide MMD USA—and our other imported luxury-brand suppliers such as Moët Hennessy USA—with the peace of mind that their brand quality, equity and image are being stewarded properly across Nevada. Last, and importantly, the positive impact of this judgment on the legitimate, local Nevada hospitality economy—which provides jobs for the thousands of workers who welcome and serve 40 million tourists per year—is a critical, ongoing effect of this landmark judgment.”

Balogh concluded by saying, “I couldn’t be prouder of the dogged perseverance of our company and our distributor partners over the past decade on this case. At its most fundamental level, this effort has been about the rule of law on behalf of consumers and all members of the supply chain. It illustrates that there is a reason laws are in place to regulate the wine and spirits industry—ensuring that everyone can be confident about the authenticity of the merchandise they are receiving at any step along the hospitality value chain, especially at the point of consumption.”

In the near future, there will be hearings to address the payment—by the two companies found to violate Nevada liquor laws in the jury’s judgment—of legal fees incurred by MMD USA and Southern.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Restaurant News Resource

View the original article here

Top 15 U.S. Cities with Largest Increase in Bedbugs

Hotel News Resource Terminix released its list of cities experiencing the largest increases in bedbug activity, with Sacramento, Calif. taking the top spot with a 54% jump in bedbug customer calls compared to this same time last year.

Thought to be eradicated since World War II, in recent years, bedbugs have been making a comeback throughout the United States. Beyond their annoying bites and welts, research indicates bedbugs can pose physical and psychological health concerns as well. Additionally, reports of bedbugs are increasing in some areas of the country not previously prone to outbreaks, indicating they are on the move.

Terminix, the world’s largest pest control provider, today released its list of cities experiencing the largest increases in bedbug activity, with Sacramento, Calif. taking the top spot with a 54% jump in bedbug customer calls compared to this same time last year.

The 2013 list of cities with the highest increases in bedbug infestations include:

1. Sacramento, Calif.                        54%          
2. Milwaukee, Wis.                         53%         
3. Las Vegas, Nev.                         50%         
4. Columbus, Ohio                            47%         
5. Baltimore, Md.                             46%         
6. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.     41%         
7. St. Louis, Mo.                             40%         
8. Cleveland, Ohio                             36% 
9. Louisville, Ky.                                    31% 
10. Denver, Colo.                             28% 
11. Los Angeles, Calif.                     27% 
12. San Francisco, Calif.                    26% 
13. Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas                25% 
14. Nashville, Tenn.                            17% 
15. Houston, Texas                            15%

Photo of Bedbugs - Source Terminix“Bedbugs continue to have a significant presence across the country, in cities large and small, and pose concern for public health,” said Stan Cope, PhD and entomologist with Terminix. “There is now evidencethat suggests that severe bedbug infestations may be associated with anemia. Also, bedbug bites can result in secondary infections due to excessive scratching. Bedbug infestations are also known to have a psychological impact and can cause emotional stress and irritability, so if you think you have an issue with bedbugs you should immediately contact a professional to treat your home or business,” added Cope.

Terminix created the list by compiling and analyzing bedbug-specific call volume to its more than 300 branches throughout the country. The rankings represent cities with the biggest percentage gains in bedbug customer calls from Jan-May 2013 compared to the same time period in 2012. Eight of the cities – Columbus, Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Baltimore, Louisville, Cleveland and San Francisco – are also among the top 15 cities in total number of bedbug customer calls year-to-date for 2013. Once relegated to primarily major cities, bedbugs are good travelers and have been reported by nearly all of the Terminix branches throughout the country.

Bedbugs are usually transported from one location to another as people travel. They can travel in the seams of luggage, carry-on bags, folded clothing and furniture. Because bedbugs can go several months without a blood meal, it’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect luggage and mattresses when traveling. When bedbugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant that prevents a person from feeling the bite. Because these bites generally occur while people are sleeping, they don’t realize they’ve been bitten until small marks appear which are generally slightly swollen, red and may itch.

Terminix offers the following tips to mitigate the risk of being bitten or transporting bedbugs:      Check hotel headboards, mattresses and box springs for live bedbugs, their exoskeletons and/or dark blood spots.    Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.    Avoid storing clothing in a hotel’s furniture drawers.    Store suitcases on a luggage rack as far away from the bed as possible.    Vacuum suitcases when returning home, and immediately wash clothing in hot water.    Between trips, store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or basement, away from bedrooms.    If you suspect you have bedbugs, have your home inspected by a trained professional. Bedbugs cannot be controlled by over-the-counter treatments.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Top Five Food Trends Spotted at Summer Fancy Food Show

Restaurant News Resource Move over bacon. Make way for kale pops, chia pods, and simmer sauces from around the globe.

Move over bacon. Make way for kale pops, chia pods, and simmer sauces from around the globe. They are examples of the top five food trends for the year ahead picked by a panel of trendspotters at the 59th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.

The show was held last week at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. It is the largest marketplace in North America for specialty foods and beverages, with 180,000 products from more than 2,400 food manufacturers, importers and entrepreneurs on display, including the latest artisanal cheeses, chocolates, vinegars, grilling sauces and natural and organic products.

The trends are:

Reinvented Frozen Treats
Green Wave Smoothies – Kalelicious Smoothie Pops
Life Ice – Freeze & Eat Bite-Sized Ices
DeeBee's Organics - Tea Pops
Bar Gelato by Naia - Blue Bottle Coffee Bar

Grains and Seeds in New Places
The Chia Co. - Chia Pods
La Pasta, Inc. – Sweet Potato, Quinoa and Kale Ravioli
Flamous Brands – Sprouted Multigrain Zatar Chips
Seattle Chocolate Co. - jcoco Agave Quinoa Sesame Milk Chocolate Bar

Global Meal Starters
Saffron Road – Harissa, Korean Stir Fry and Thai Red Curry Simmer Sauces
Kaldes Bros. Trading Co. – Greek Cooking Sauces
Kitchens of Africa – Maffe Peanut and Yassa Onion Simmer Sauces
Terrapin Ridge Farms – Pot Roast Meal Starter

Retro Mania Done New
Callie's Charleston Biscuits – Callie's Cheese Crisps
City Bakery – Hot Chocolate
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams – Orchid Vanilla Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich
Southern Culture – Short Stacks Banana Pudding Pancake Mix

Be Your Own Mixologist
Sociale – Lavender Martini Mocktails
Hella Bitter – Cocktail Bitters
Luke's Heirloom Tomato Juice – Bloody Delicious Mary Mix
Owl's Brew – Tea Crafted for Cocktails

A Photo Gallery of Top Five Trends is available here. 

Other trends identified are single-serve snacks with calorie counts, Vietnamese flavors, chickpea and seaweed snacks, maple products, and sweet and savory cookies. Trends with staying power identified at prior Fancy Food Shows include coconut, salted caramel and innovations in gluten-free foods.

The trendspotters are: Rachel Hofstetter, Author, "Cooking Up a Business;" Sara Moulton, Sara's Weeknight Meals; Kara Nielsen, CCD Innovation; Charles Passy, The Wall Street Journal Digital Network; Denise Purcell, Specialty Food Media; Lauren Purcell and Dana Bowen, Everyday with Rachel Ray, Regina Ragone, Family Circle Magazine; Beverly Stephen, Food Arts and Susie Timm, Girl Meets Fork.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Restaurant News Resource

View the original article here

HVS Portland Market Intelligence Report 2013 - By Desiree M. Flanary and Kasia M. Russell

HVS International Portland, Oregon’s reputation rests on its well-known microbreweries, cuisine, culture, city parks, innovative mass transient system, & arts and music scene. The following article shows trends in hotel supply, demand, & performance within the city.

Portland, Oregon’s reputation rests on its well-known microbreweries, cuisine, culture, city parks, innovative mass transient system, and arts and music scene. The city’s location relative to others in the Pacific Northwest, along with its relatively low energy costs and expansive marine-shipping facilities, support Portland’s economic network of high-tech, transportation and distribution, manufacturing, and professional services industries. These industries, together with strong tourism and natural attractions, help support a healthy lodging market in Portland.

Economy Update
The following table illustrates historical and projected employment, population, and income data for the overall Portland market.

HISTORICAL & PROJECTED EMPLOYMENT, HOUSEHOLDS, POPULATION,
AND HOUSEHOLD INCOME STATISTICS

Portland, Oregon - HISTORICAL & PROJECTED EMPLOYMENT, HOUSEHOLDS, POPULATION, AND HOUSEHOLD INCOME STATISTICS

The market has realized gains in total employment annually during the historical period, with the exception of the dot.com bust at the turn of the millennia and the recession that began in late 2007. Industrial employment has experienced the largest changes, concurrent with the hire and layoff cycles typical of the manufacturing and distribution industries. Households and population have grown consistently over the past decade, noting a 1% to 2% change from 2004 through 2012. Employment, household size, and population are forecast to grow modestly through 2017. Household average income is forecast to grow at rates that are more significant as higher-paying jobs in the technology industry, on which the Portland market heavily relies, are expected to increase in the coming years.
Unemployment statistics for Multnomah County, the Portland MSA, the state of Oregon, and the U.S. as a whole are illustrated in the table below.

UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Portland, Oregon - UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Unemployment in the Portland MSA remains well above pre-recession levels, though job growth has continued to increase, most notably in the manufacturing and construction sectors; the professional services and leisure and hospitality sectors have also realized job growth. Intel leads the way for growth in the manufacturing and construction sectors as it continues to expand. Intel’s expansion of its D1X facility is also underway; the company announced in October of 2012 that it would double the size of its investment to $6 billion, expanding the facility to 2.5 million square feet. Nike is planning to invest $150 million in a capital project that will reportedly add 500 jobs in the Portland suburb of Beaverton. In addition, there has been enhanced activity at local port facilities, and construction of residential developments in Portland has realized an increase.

Office Space Market Update
The following table illustrates the Portland area’s office space statistics, which are important indicators of the market’s propensity to attract commercial lodging demand.

OFFICE SPACE STATISTICS – MARKET OVERVIEW

Portland, Oregon - OFFICE SPACE STATISTICS – MARKET OVERVIEW

The office lease-rate recovery that started in 2011 was slow to grow in 2012. Office vacancy was lowest in the Central City and Eastside area, while Beaverton/Sylvan noted the highest vacancies in the greater market.

The following table illustrates a trend of office space statistics for the overall Portland market.

HISTORICAL AND PROJECTED OFFICE SPACE STATISTICS – GREATER MARKET

Portland, Oregon - HISTORICAL AND PROJECTED OFFICE SPACE STATISTICS – GREATER MARKET

The greater Portland office market realized net absorption of only 117,000 square feet in 2012. The only construction completed during the past year was the 121,000-square-foot, single-tenant project at Cascade Station for the FBI. Construction remains subdued, with only three competitive general-purpose office projects that have broken ground; two of these have been put on hold indefinitely. The redevelopment of the 19,400-square-foot American Brush Company building should be completed in November of 2013. Available office space is forecast to increase only minimally; the decline in vacancy is therefore expected to continue, although not quite to levels seen during the peak years of 2007 and 2008. Average lease rate is forecast to increase modestly as the local economy improves and vacancy declines.


Hotel Construction Update
According to HVS research, several new hotels are currently in the pipeline: RiverPlace Hyatt House Portland (203 units)Residence Inn by Marriott Portland (225 units)Independent Project Pearl District (100 to 150 units)Headquarters Hotel(s), Oregon Convention Center (comprising a single 600-unit hotel or two separate 400-unit and 200-unit properties)No hotels are currently under construction in the greater Portland market; the proposed projects mentioned above are in the early planning phases. While new hotels are expected to enter the market in the coming years, the percentage increase to the overall market supply will be minimal.

Outlook on Market Occupancy and Average Rate
No new supply has entered the Portland market since 2008, and although the area was impacted by the effects of the recent recession, the lack of new supply has assisted hoteliers in regaining lost occupancy. Portland area hotels were able to reach pre-recession occupancy levels by late 2011; however, average rate has yet to exceed pre-recession levels. Market participants are hopeful that the 2013 summer season will allow hoteliers to recoup average rate losses and achieve new average rate highs. The market has now essentially reached the occupancy level ceiling, and although modest gains are anticipated, RevPAR growth will likely be driven by significant increases in average rate.

Recent Hotel Transactions
The following table summarizes hotel transactions in the state of Oregon over the past two years.


REVIEW OF HOTEL TRANSACTIONS

Portland, Oregon - REVIEW OF HOTEL TRANSACTIONS


The four most recent sales in the Portland market are the most notable, as the Hilton and Hotel Vintage Plaza are two of the premier properties in Downtown Portland; the Hotel Vintage Plaza achieved a significantly higher RevPAR, accounting for the price-per-key difference. It should also be noted that the Hotel Vintage Plaza sold along with its sister property in Seattle in 2012. The Governor Hotel was an REO transaction, and therefore not equitable to the other two since it was a distressed sale. Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC acquired the RiverPlace Hotel from Larkspur Hotels; this transaction represented the second-highest price-per-key sale of 2012 in Portland.

Brokers’ Outlook
According to HVS broker interviews, current cap rates for limited-service hotels in Portland range from 8% to 9%, depending on the quality and location of a given property. Area brokers report that, dependent on circumstances, now is the time to buy limited-service hotels in Portland. Select-service hotels are selling at similar cap rates, and brokers report that the market presently favors the purchase of these assets as well. Full-service hotels would be selling for a lower rate, and although there is significant interest from potential buyers to enter the Portland full-service market, little to no inventory is available.

Conclusion
The Portland hotel market has continued to show improvement from the depths of the recent recession. Hotels transactions have increased slightly, with four notable sales occurring in 2012. Occupancy and average rate are anticipated to continue to improve as the area economy strengthens; the lack of new supply within the immediate future is also expected to increase RevPAR. Overall, the near-term outlook for the Portland hotel market remains optimistic.

About Desiree M. Flanary

Desiree Flanary is a Vice President with the HVS Boulder office. Desiree earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Colorado and has front-line hotel experience in both front office and housekeeping operations. Desiree travels and works extensively in the northwestern U.S. and throughout the west coast, with a particular emphasis in the Central Pacific region. Contact Desiree at (970) 381-9794 ordflanary@hvs.com.

About Kasia M. Russell

Kasia Russell is a Vice President with the HVS Boulder office. Kasia has front-line hotel experience with Extended StayAmerica and Best Western and also worked for the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, WA and the Skagit Valley Resort in Bow, WA. She is a state certified appraiser in Colorado and surrounding states. Contact Kasia at (970) 227-7799 or krussell@hvs.com.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Michael Carsch Named Managing Director for the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Lake Geneva, Wis.

Marcus Hotels Carsch joins Marcus Hotels & Resorts after a 20-year career with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and most recently with Thompson Hotels. While at Thompson, he served as general manager of the Sax Chicago, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and Thompson Beverly Hills.

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced that Michael Carsch has been appointed managing director of the AAA Four-Diamond, all-seasons Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. Carsch has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and mostly recently served as general manager of the Hotel Sax in Chicago, Ill.

Carsch joins Marcus Hotels & Resorts after a 20-year career with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and most recently with Thompson Hotels. While at Thompson, he served as general manager of the Sax Chicago, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and Thompson Beverly Hills. Prior to that Carsch was president of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev. Before joining Thompson Hotels, Carsch held numerous general manager positions with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company including The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami, Fla.; The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, McLean, Va. and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Fla.

“The resort is one of the premier getaways in the Midwest, with an excellent team of associates that is dedicated to providing our guests with the personable, high-quality service and amenities that are a Grand Geneva tradition.”
“We are very pleased to welcome Michael to Marcus Hotels & Resorts as general manager of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa as we celebrate the resort’s 45th anniversary. His extensive management experience and diversified background in resorts, hotels and boutique properties across the U.S. is an excellent addition to our team,” said Kirk A. Rose, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

“I am thrilled to be overseeing the award-winning Grand Geneva,” said Carsch. “The resort is one of the premier getaways in the Midwest, with an excellent team of associates that is dedicated to providing our guests with the personable, high-quality service and amenities that are a Grand Geneva tradition.”

Carsch graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He has actively participated in many industry organizations including statewide hotel and lodging associations, chambers of commerce and tourism committees throughout the U.S.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Four Seasons Hotel Miami Appoints Dan Normand As General Manager

Four Seasons He will be responsible for all operations of the 221-room hotel as well as the office space, condo-hotel program and 186 residential condominium units also housed in the 70-story tower on Miami's Brickell Avenue.

Dan Normandin has been appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, effective July 15th. He will be responsible for all operations of the 221-room hotel as well as the office space, condo-hotel program and 186 residential condominium units also housed in the 70-story tower on Miami's Brickell Avenue. Normandin replaces Simon Pettigrew who, after two years of being with Four Seasons Miami, has accepted the position of Vice President of Hotel Operations at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas.

Dan Normandin - General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel MiamiNormandin brings to his new role over twenty four years of experience in hotel leadership positions, most recently as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, the only Mobile 5 Star and AAA Five Diamond-rated hotel in the city. He joined Four Seasons in 1997 as Hotel Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. Four years later, he transferred to Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara as Resort Manager, and was instrumental in the transformation of "The Biltmore". He has also spent time as Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, a Mobile 5 Star designated hotel. Prior to joining Four Seasons, he worked with the Canadian hotel management company Delta Hotels and Resorts in Richmond, Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia.

Ranking high among Normandin's interests are volunteering to support local communities and fostering growth of local business. A former member of the Rotary Club of Montecito, Normandin is currently on the Board of Directors of Midtown Alliance (GA) and Board of Advisors for Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he represents Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts among the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality.

He can be contacted at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, telephone (305) 381-3026 or via e-mail at dan.normandin@fourseasons.com. 

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

AlSol Del Mar and AlSol Luxury Village Announced for Cap Cana Dominican Republic

AlSol AlSol Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of two new 5-star luxury properties to its management portfolio, AlSol Del Mar and AlSol Luxury Village located in Cap Cana Dominican Republic.

AlSol Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of two new 5-star luxury properties to its management portfolio, AlSol Del Mar and AlSol Luxury Village located in Cap Cana Dominican Republic. With the addition of these two assets to its portfolio, AlSol Hotels & Resorts leases and manages a collection of four resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. 

According to Carlos Del Pino, managing director of AlSol Hotels & Resorts, the addition of these properties is part of the company's overall strategy to continue to aggressively grow AlSol Hotels & Resorts with other property management takeovers already in the pipeline. The addition of AlSol Del Mar and AlSol Luxury Village will bring the company's portfolio to 850 rooms.

"We are delighted to be adding these two superb properties to our management portfolio and continuing to provide our loyal customers with luxury resorts and vacation homes for a range of ages and interests in spectacular beach locations," Del Pino said. "We are a young company but with many decades of combined experience in resort and hotel marketing operations and development AlSol is utilizing this vast experience to strategically seek out new properties that fit within our existing standards of exemplary service, location and amenities." Advertisement

Located in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, AlSol Luxury Village includes over 300 spacious Mediterranean-style villas with stunning marina views and designer furnishings. Villa owners and resort guests have access to a nearby secluded beach which is a two minute ride by private watercraft. AlSol Luxury Village is masterfully designed on the seaside and surrounds the largest inland marina in the Caribbean. It offers two restaurants, two bars, four private pools, a chapel, a night club and elegant retail on both the village's Main Street and the plazas. Residents and guests also enjoy children's activities, boat rentals, sport fishing and nautical provisioning.

Also residing in Cap Cana, AlSol Del Mar is a 254,000-square-foot private residential development situated on Coralina Beach and mere steps from Cap Cana's impressive Marina. Designed by the prestigious Mexican architecture firm GVA, the development features a wide selection of exquisite apartments ranging from 646-square-foot studies to nearly 4,000-square-foot three-bedroom penthouses. With multiple pools, tennis and basketball courts, a signature restaurant, gymnasium, mini-market exclusively for residents and a host of other on-site amenities, AlSol Del Mar provides residents with the highly sought-after luxury Caribbean lifestyle.

Further emphasizing the excellence of this boutique hotel and resort developer, AlSol's existing Cap Cana property, the Sanctuary at Cap Cana, was recently awarded a 2013 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. This prestigious award places the resort in the top-performing 10-percent of businesses worldwide utilizing the online platform and reflects the consistently high ratings given to it by TripAdvisor travelers.

Located at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Cap Cana is the ultimate definition of paradise for travelers seeking true luxury in the Caribbean. A perfect fit for all guest types and stays and offering something for every guests wish, Cap Cana is 30,000 acres of ecologically immaculate beaches and oceanfront with hiking trails, an array of water-sports options, and a variety of nature-based activities. Cap Cana also features Punta Espada the top-ranked golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico, fine dining, shopping and stunning architectural design blended with some of the world's most beautiful and sought-after white-sand beaches.

AlSol Hotels & Resorts is a highly efficient boutique hotel and resort owner/operator with four luxury resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Created in 2012 by the founding shareholders of PriceTravel, one of the largest online travel companies in Mexico, and possess an incredibly broad distribution network and access to the latest technological booking platforms driving solid revenue streams to the properties it manages. Specializing in the effective ecommerce marketing of its resorts, AlSol directors have extensive relationships with key owners and executives of the principal tour operators in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

U.S. Job Openings Remain at 3.8 Million in May

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics There were 3.8 million job openings on the last business day of May, little changed from April. The hires rate (3.3 percent) and the separations rate (3.2 percent) also were little changed in May.

JOB OPENINGS AND LABOR TURNOVER – MAY 2013

There were 3.8 million job openings on the last business day of May, little changed from April, the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The hires rate (3.3 percent) and separations rate (3.2 percent)
also were little changed in May. This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings,
hires, and separations for the nonfarm sector by industry and by geographic region.

Job Openings

The number of job openings in May was 3.8 million, little changed from April. (See table 1.) The number
of job openings was little changed over the month in most industries but rose in retail trade and fell in
professional and business services. The number of job openings rose in the Midwest but was essentially
unchanged in the other three regions.

The number of job openings in May (not seasonally adjusted) was little changed over the year for total
nonfarm, total private, and government. Several industries experienced an increase in job openings over
the year, including retail trade; transportation, warehousing, and utilities; and finance and insurance.
Industries experiencing a decrease in openings over the year were durable goods manufacturing and
professional and business services. In the Midwest region, the number of job openings rose over the year.
(See table 7.)

Hires

In May, there were 4.4 million hires; the hires rate was 3.3 percent. The hires rate was little changed in all
industries and regions over the month. (See table 2.)

Over the 12 months ending in May, the number of hires (not seasonally adjusted) was little changed for
total nonfarm, total private, government, and in all four regions. The number of hires was little changed
over the year for most industries. The number of hires fell in mining and logging but rose in
accommodation and food services. (See table 8.)

Separations

There were 4.3 million total separations in the month of May; essentially the same number as in April.
The separations rate was 3.2 percent.

Total separations includes quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations. Total separations also is
referred to as turnover. Quits are generally voluntary separations initiated by the employee. Therefore,
the quits rate can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave jobs. Layoffs and
discharges are involuntary separations initiated by the employer. Other separations include separations
due to retirement, death, and disability, as well as transfers to other locations of the same firm.

In May, the quits rate remained at 1.6 percent for total nonfarm and at 1.8 percent for total private. The
rate for government was little changed at 0.6 percent. The quits rate also was little changed over the
month for all industries and regions. (See table 4.)

The number of quits (not seasonally adjusted) was little changed over the 12 months ending in May for
total nonfarm, total private, government, and in all four regions. Quits increased over the year for the
educational services industry. (See table 10.)

The layoffs and discharges component of total separations is seasonally adjusted at the total nonfarm,
total private, and government levels, and by region. The layoffs and discharges rate was unchanged in
May at 1.3 percent. The rate also was unchanged for total private (1.4 percent) and government (0.4
percent). The rate was little changed over the month in all four regions. (See table 5.)

The layoffs and discharges level (not seasonally adjusted) was little changed over the 12 months ending
in May for total nonfarm and total private but fell for government. Over the year, the number of layoffs
and discharges fell in professional and business services, educational services, and state and local
government. In the South region, the number of layoffs and discharges decreased. (See table 11.)

In May, there were 382,000 other separations for total nonfarm, essentially unchanged from the previous
month. The number of other separations also was essentially unchanged over the month for total private
and government. (See table 6.) Over the 12 months ending in May, the number of other separations also
was little changed for total nonfarm, total private, and government. (See table 12.)

Net Change in Employment

Large numbers of hires and separations occur every month throughout the business cycle. Net
employment change results from the relationship between hires and separations. When the number of
hires exceeds the number of separations, employment rises, even if the hires level is steady or declining.
Conversely, when the number of hires is less than the number of separations, employment declines, even
if the hires level is steady or rising. Over the 12 months ending in May 2013, hires totaled 51.9 million
and separations totaled 50.1 million, yielding a net employment gain of 1.8 million. These figures include
workers who may have been hired and separated more than once during the year.

____________
The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey results for June 2013 are scheduled to be released
on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT).

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Mokulele Airlines Announces New Daily Service Between Kona And Kapalua

Service begins on July 19, 2013 with an introductory rate of just $59 one way for reservations made by June 15.

Mokulele Airlines, Hawai'i's low-cost interisland air carrier, has announced that effective July 19, 2013, it will begin offering service between Kona International Airport on the Big Island and Kapalua Airport on Maui. "Many passengers who are traveling to Maui are going to Kapalua, the Ka'anapali resort area, Lahaina or other destinations on the west side of the island," explains Mokulele President and CEO Ron Hansen. 

Mokulele Airlines Airplane"Now, with our new Kona-Kapalua route, travelers who are visiting West Maui won't have to make the drive to and from Kahului Airport, which can take 40 or more minutes each way. In addition, most major car rental agencies are represented at or near the Kapalua Airport."

Mokulele will operate four daily flights between Kona to Kapalua. When the new service launches on July 19, Mokulele will become the first airline to operate regular service between the two cities. To celebrate the new route, Mokulele is offering an introductory rate of just $59 one way, including taxes and fees, for reservations made for flights between Kona and Kapalua in the month of July. The $59 fares are based on availability, and reservations can be made online at www.mokuleleairlines.com.

Mokulele Airlines, flying the skies of Hawai'i since 1994, was purchased by TransPac Aviation, Inc. in 2011 with a goal of providing high quality, low-cost interisland air service. Mokulele, which is headquartered in Kailua-Kona, now offers up to 100 flights a day connecting O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Maui and the Big Island on its fleet of nine-passenger, turbine-powered Cessna Grand Caravans.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

GBTA Announces Didier Marlier As Keynote Speaker at GBTA Europe Conference 2013 in Prague

Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Didier Marlier is the former Associate Professor at Insead (France) and Fundação Dom Cabral (Brazil), TED speaker, Managing partner of the Enablers Network and Co-Author of best selling business book 'Engaging Leadership'.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) today announced Didier Marlier, former Associate Professor at Insead (France) and Fundação Dom Cabral (Brazil), TED speaker, Managing partner of the Enablers Network and Co-Author of best selling business book “Engaging Leadership”, as the closing keynote speaker at the GBTA Europe Conference 2013, being held in Prague, Czech Republic on 23rd-25th September 2013.  


Didier will work with the audience in an original and unusual manner, to take them on the journey to effective leadership through times of change, drawing on the key points discussed in the conference.
Catherine McGavock, GBTA’s Regional Director for Europe said:
“The theme of our conference ‘No Boundaries – beyond the process’ has been designed to look at creative solutions in three key aspects of travel management, with streams dedicated to strategy, technology and delivery. We hope our delegates will leave the conference armed with insight of the changing nature of the industry to come and equipped with the latest thinking on how to respond to these challenges. Didier’s session is the last piece in the jigsaw – how to find the courage and inspiration to lead the necessary programmes of change.’
For more information on the GBTA Europe Conference 2013 and details of other keynote and conference sessions go to http://www.gbta.org/europeconference
About the Global Business Travel Association
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings organisation. Collectively, GBTA’s 5,700-plus members manage over $340 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA provides its network of 21,000 business and government travel and meetings managers, as well as travel service providers, with networking events, news, education & professional development, research, and advocacy. For more information, visit gbta.org

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood Opens in Utah

Hyatt Place The hote is the fifth Hyatt-branded hotel in Utah and the second hotel built directly in Cottonwood Corporate Center.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) and Sequoia Development announced today the opening of Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood. The hote is the fifth Hyatt-branded hotel in Utah and the second hotel built directly in Cottonwood Corporate Center.


“We are excited to bring the Hyatt Place brand to the Cottonwood area with the opening of Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood”
Located just outside of the Cottonwood Corporate Center, Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood sits less than a half-mile from Old Mill Golf Course and in close proximity to University of Utah. Additionally, the hotel is within minutes of Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and Brighton ski resorts. Travelers year-round can visit nearby attractions such as the Living Plant Aquarium, Temple Square and Salt Lake Temple or admire the Salt Lake Valley views from the hotel’s outdoor heated pool and hot tub.

“Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood is located in a great area, and we’re looking forward to creating a positive travel experience for each and every guest that walks through our doors,” said Jeff Olpin, area general manager, Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood and Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Sandy. “Hyatt Place was designed for a lifestyle, not a demographic, and as a result, we are confident that everyone from business travelers to skiers will appreciate the open, intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food and beverage availability.”

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood offers: 124 spacious guestrooms, all of which feature a 42-inch HDTV, the plush Hyatt Grand Bed® and a sectional sofa sleeper Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel Complimentary a.m. Kitchen SkilletTM, featuring freshly prepared breakfast sandwiches, a variety of fresh fruits, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, breads, premium coffee and an assortment of juices 3,200 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space 24/7 Gallery Menu serving made-to-order entrees and appetizers around the clock Intimate Coffee to Cocktails Bar serving specialty coffees, premium beers and wines and cocktails “We are excited to bring the Hyatt Place brand to the Cottonwood area with the opening of Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood,” said Kevin Ludlow, president, Sequoia Development. “Whether we are catering to business or leisure travelers, we know that our guests will appreciate the comfortable and functional amenities offered at Hyatt Place.” Advertisement

HYATT PLACE SALT LAKE CITY/COTTONWOOD LEADERSHIP

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood is under the leadership of Area General Manager Jeff Olpin and Director of Sales Nicholas Elmore. In his role, Olpin is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s 35 associates and ensuring guests encounter the purposeful service for which Hyatt Place is known. Elmore is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the Salt Lake City and Cottonwood area.

ABOUT HYATT PLACE

Launched in 2006, Hyatt Place brings to the upscale select-service hotel category the authentic hospitality for which Hyatt is known. Inspired by multitasking travellers’ 24/7 lifestyle, Hyatt Place combines stylish design and practical amenities with forward-thinking technology and purposeful service. Hyatt Place hotels feature complimentary Wi-Fi access and remote printing, a 24-hour StayFit@Hyatt fitness center, a coffee and wine bar serving specialty coffees and premium wine, beer and spirits, complimentary a.m. Kitchen SkilletTM, featuring freshly prepared breakfast sandwiches, and a Grab ’n Go case stocked with sandwiches and hand tossed salads. The new Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7 offers entrées and appetizers around the clock. Specially trained Gallery Hosts offer assistance with everything from directions to check-in to a freshly made meal. Spacious guestrooms are designed to help guests perfectly blend their lifestyle of work and play, featuring the Hyatt Grand Bed®, Cozy Corner sofa sectional, work center, 42-inch HDTV and the Hyatt Plug Panel media center.

Hyatt Place, a brand of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, offers more than 170 locations throughout the United States, as well as locations in Costa Rica and India.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Marco's Pizza Franchise Launches New Franchise Development Website

Marco's Pizza has launched a new franchising website, MarcosFranchising.com, which offers detailed content about Marco's products, finances, operations and earnings.

Marco's has garnered attention in the industry and love from fans by using fresh ingredients -- dough made fresh daily in the store, fresh, never frozen toppings and great tasting sauces. In surveys, customers repurchase Marco's pizza more often than other delivery pizza chains.

Visitors to the site can research Marco's, the fastest-growing pizza franchise in the United States, through interviews with franchisees, details about the system's financial performance and information that sets Marco's apart from competitors in the delivery pizza industry.

Marco's has carved out a unique niche in the $40 billion-per-year pizza industry. It's the only major pizza chain founded by a native Italian, Pasquale "Pat" Giammarco, who moved to the United States with his family at 9 and worked in his father's restaurant as a boy. Giammarco built a system of 112 franchises by 2004, when CEO and President Jack Butorac joined Marco's.

Marco's now has more than 375 locations open in the United States and three overseas and plans to reach 500 in 2014. In a crowded segment, Marco's stands out as an affordable luxury, Butorac said. While other national chains compete over price by discounting, Marco's competes on quality and authenticity.

"Our goal is to become the nation's fourth-largest pizza chain," Butorac said. "Marco's is offering a tremendous opportunity to potential franchisees to get in on the ground floor of the nation's fastest-growing pizza franchise.

"We're looking for passion. We care more about the passion and the management skills our franchisees bring to the table than any restaurant experience they may have. We provide the training, the tools and the expertise every franchisee needs to make his or her Marco's a success."

At MarcosFranchising.com, visitors will find: Startup costs, market data and competitive analysisInformation on how Marco's serves up quality, artisan Italian pizza by making the dough fresh in-store every day and using only the best ingredientsDetails on financing, training and ongoing supportInterviews with franchiseesUnlike some pizza franchises, Marco's has prime territories available.

For more information visit www.marcosfranchising.com.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Restaurant News Resource

View the original article here

Mike Bobbitt Named Director Distribution & Revenue for Choice Hotels Canada

Choice Hotels Most recently he held the position of chief operating officer at Royal Host Hotels, which is the master franchisor for Travelodge in Canada.

As part of its ongoing growth strategy, Choice Hotels Canada is adding to its executive team with the hire of Mike Bobbitt as director, Distribution & Revenue. The Distribution & Revenue department is newly created as part of an internal restructure, which includes a merger with the Sales department.

Bobbitt comes to Choice Hotels Canada with more than 26 years of hospitality experience working in various senior management roles including vice president of operations at Westmont Hospitality Group, general manager of sales and catering at World Trade and Convention Centre and regional director of sales and marketing at Atlific Hotels. Most recently he held the position of chief operating officer at Royal Host Hotels, which is the master franchisor for Travelodge in Canada.

"Mike has a wealth of experience having spent his career in the hospitality industry where he worked with various Choice properties and other like-minded brands," says Tim Oldfield, managing director, franchise performance for Choice Hotels Canada. "He has a thorough understanding of what it takes to grow hotel revenue and will undoubtedly be an invaluable member of our team."

The Distribution & Revenue department was created in an effort to leverage the company's advances in distribution strategy and also includes e-commerce and revenue management.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Marriott's Upgrade: New CEO Arne Sorenson Freshens Up The Brand For Millennials - Forbes

Marriott At first blush Marriott International’s annual corporate awards ceremony looks the part. Eight hundred people crammed into a hotel ballroom, just 2 miles from headquarters. Eighty-one-year-old Chairman John Willard 'Bill' Marriott Jr. lording over the festivities, with Arne Sorenson, the new chief executive officer, sitting across the aisle. Top brass in from as far away as Hong Kong seated cheek by jowl with a dozen Marriott family members.

External Source - Click here to read the article

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Continued Growth of Turkish Airlines Coincides with Increase in Tourism of Turkey

Turkish Airlines International Carrier Finds 25.8 Percent Jump in Global 2013 Ticket Sales Compared to 2012

Turkish Airlines, recently voted Europe’s Best Airline at the 2013 Skytrax Passengers Choice Awards for the third consecutive year, announced marked growth in passengers flying to Turkey and many of its other international destinations. The flag carrier of Turkey has experienced a dramatic increase in ticket sales for several years partially as a result of a steep increase in tourism of Turkey. Boasting an incredibly rich culture and history that spans civilizations over 10,000 years coupled with white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Turkey is a favorite holiday destination for many around the globe.

“Turkey’s large-scale infrastructure projects, such as Istanbul’s third bridge, third airport and Kanal Istanbul, are important indicators of the stability and confidence in the future of our country”
Between January and June 2013, Turkish Airlines saw a 25.8 percent increase in global ticket sales over the same period in 2012, a total of more than 22.4 million passengers. The international carrier’s U.S. ticket sales to Turkey jumped 10 percent between May and June 2013 compared to the same months last year. Turkish Airlines’ largest increase in passengers came from Africa, which had a 36.9 percent increase in ticket sales compared to 2012, with Somalia leading the way at 247 percent.

Turkish Airlines’ growth in number of passengers comes at a time when Turkey is enjoying a significant growth in tourism. The country welcomed 10.5 million non-Turkish visitors between January and May 2013, an 18.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Part of this growth is attributed to business travelers as Turkey becomes a worldwide hub for international business with many ambitious projects underway.

“Turkey’s large-scale infrastructure projects, such as Istanbul’s third bridge, third airport and Kanal Istanbul, are important indicators of the stability and confidence in the future of our country,” states Hüseyin Avni Mutlu, Mayor of Istanbul.

In addition to being awarded Europe’s Best Airline three times in a row, Turkish Airlines was also awarded “Best Business Class Catering” at the 2013 Skytrax Passengers Choice Awards for its Flying Chef service on long flights. The Flying Chefs offer passengers a taste of Turkey, with freshly prepared traditional Turkish dishes and a roving meze cart.

“This is an exciting time for the airline, having recently announced our 235th gateway while enjoying a remarkable increase in global passengers,” states Temel Kotil, Ph.D., CEO of Turkish Airlines. “We welcome all travelers from across the globe to enjoy the unparalleled experience that comes with flying on our airline.”

Located on the crossroads of Anatolia in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe and bordering eight countries, Turkey’s is one of the world’s top travel destinations, with Istanbul now a major hub for international travel. Turkey was recently ranked seventh on Trip Advisor’s list of Travelers’ Choice Destinations for 2012.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

Second Hyatt Regency Coming to Moscow

Hyatt Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Istra-Kurort LLC, a Russian real estate development company, for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Moscow.

Expected to open in 2017, Hyatt Regency Moscow Istra Resort will join the luxurious Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow already open in the city.

Located on the shores of the famous Istra Reservoir, Hyatt Regency Moscow Istra Resort will feature 168 guestrooms and 52 extended-stay apartments, as well as a conference center with a 3,760 square-foot (350-square-meter) ballroom, a spa, and a fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools. Additionally, the hotel will offer multiple food and beverage outlets, including an all-day-dining restaurant and a bar, lobby lounge and a specialty restaurant with a pristine view of the reservoir. Hyatt Regency Moscow Istra Resort is expected to become an ideal destination for social functions, weekend getaways and off-site corporate meetings for Moscovites, expatriates and Russian guests visiting the capital city.

“Establishing our brand’s presence in key gateway cities like Moscow is an integral part of our strategy to drive guest preference for Hyatt-branded hotels in Russia, a market that continues to experience strong growth in visitor numbers”
“Establishing our brand’s presence in key gateway cities like Moscow is an integral part of our strategy to drive guest preference for Hyatt-branded hotels in Russia, a market that continues to experience strong growth in visitor numbers,” said Peter Norman, senior vice president, real estate and development for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity for another hotel in Moscow, which will join the already open, five-star Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow and the currently under development Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park. The development of Hyatt’s brands in Moscow and Russia and the CIS remains an absolute priority.”

“We are delighted to work with Hyatt on Hyatt Regency Moscow Istra Resort,” said Dmitry Badaev, managing director, Istra-Kurort LLC. “We believe the strength of Hyatt’s service culture and the depth of its operational expertise will bring great value to the new hotel.”

Hyatt Regency Moscow Istra Resort will join five other Hyatt-branded hotels currently under development across Russia, including: Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park Hyatt Regency Rostov on Don Hyatt Regency Sochi Hyatt Regency Vladivostok Golden Horn Hyatt Burny Vladivostok Hyatt’s hotel pipeline is larger than it has ever been, and as of March 31, 2013, it included executed management or franchise contracts for approximately 200 hotels across all brands in all of the regions in which Hyatt hotels operate.

Istra-Kurort LLC is a part of Gleden Invest Group. Assets of the Group include: Azimut Hotels (properties range in size up to 9,000 rooms and hotels are located in Russia, Austria and Germany), Metropol Hotel 5* located in Moscow, more than 500,000 square meters of commercial real estate, and number of other assets. The Group is owned by Mr. Alexander Klyachin.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


View the original article here

New Orleans Domino's Pizza to Hire 150 New Team Members

Domino's Pizza Domino's Pizza is looking to hire over 150 new employees across more than 40 stores in the New Orleans area. All of the new positions offered are for delivery drivers and assistant managers.

"As a proud part of the New Orleans community for the past 32 years, we are dedicated to the area and excited to offer terrific opportunities to join our team and be a part of our local business," said Glenn Mueller, New Orleans Domino's Pizza franchise owner and president of RPM Pizza. "The resiliency and growth of the community, along with the success of Domino's, allows us to keep busy so we can continue to do what we do best: make great pizzas, deliver them with exceptional service and continue to be the first to open, last to close!"

The continued success of Domino's Pizza across the nation, and specifically the growth and success of its 48 stores locally owned and operated by RPM Pizza in the Greater New Orleans Region, has increased the need for additional support from enthusiastic employees focused on providing the best customer experience possible.

"As we approach storm season, we are reminded of the many people who had to leave New Orleans and, in some cases, their jobs at Domino's," said Mueller. "Thankfully, many residents are returning back where they belong – and we are ready for them to be a part of our team."

Domino's is in the midst of a national campaign promoting the unique opportunity an entry-level position at its stores may offer, with more than 90 percent of current Domino's Pizza franchisees in the U.S. starting as delivery drivers or pizza makers at the store level.

"Domino's offers terrific opportunity, as is shown by the number of local business owners who started as drivers or pizza makers," said Mueller. "We look forward to bringing in talented people, whether they want to take advantage of those opportunities – or, simply just want to have a very fun summer job as part of a great team."

Those interested in applying at their closest Domino's store can do so by visiting careers.dominos.com. 

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Restaurant News Resource

View the original article here

Dunkin' Donuts Opens Its 500th Restaurant In New York City

Located in the Times Square area of Manhattan at 323 West 42nd Street, the new location features Dunkin' Donuts' and Baskin-Robbins' new restaurant design concepts, which include bright and modern decor, digital menu displays, comfortable seating and updated furniture and lighting.

Dunkin' Donuts announced the grand opening of its 500th restaurant in New York City, which will be a combination restaurant with Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. With this latest store opening, Dunkin' Donuts remains the largest national retailer in New York City in terms of locations. To celebrate the occasion, the restaurant will host a grand opening celebration this morning complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, appearances by Dunkin' Brands leadership and New York City officials, as well as fun giveaways for the guests.

Located in the Times Square area of Manhattan at 323 West 42nd Street, the new location features Dunkin' Donuts' and Baskin-Robbins' new restaurant design concepts, which include bright and modern decor, digital menu displays, comfortable seating and updated furniture and lighting. Featuring electrical outlets and bar top areas for smartphones and computers, as well as a welcoming environment for guests to enjoy Dunkin' Donuts' and Baskin-Robbins' wide range of food and beverages in a friendly and fun atmosphere, the new restaurant will also offer free Wi-Fi Internet access for guests. The new restaurant will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and will employ approximately 20-25 crew members. Advertisement

The new restaurant will offer a complete menu of Dunkin' Donuts' great-tasting food and beverages that can be enjoyed all day, including favorites such as a wide variety of hot and iced coffee, lattes and cappuccinos and signature bakery items such as donuts and breakfast sandwiches. The location will also feature Baskin-Robbins' wide selection of delicious ice cream flavors, premium soft serve products, custom ice cream cakes, and flavorful beverages, including Milkshakes, Smoothies and Cappuccino Blast® frozen drinks.

"Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins are two of the world's most beloved brands, and we're excited about opening this location, which will provide those who pass through the 'crossroads of the world' with Dunkin' Donuts' fresh and affordable coffee and baked goods, and Baskin-Robbins' ice cream and frozen treats," said Nigel Travis, Dunkin' Brands' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We're truly proud to be able to serve the people of New York City, at this location and at hundreds of others around town, and this celebration marks a continuation of our service to them."

Rich Greenstein and Howard Novick are the franchise partners for this combination Dunkin' Donuts / Baskin-Robbins location, and currently operate 22 Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants in the New York City metro area. Greenstein and Novick opened their first restaurant with the brands in 2006.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Restaurant News Resource

View the original article here