Burger King to tackle Indonesia and other international news

Burger King to tackle Indonesia
Fast-food retailer Burger King is to tackle the Indonesian market, with the opening of its first restaurant in June. Retailer PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP) will initially promote the Burger King brand in the capital city, Jakarta. The chain already operates more than 11,000 restaurants in the USA. MAP is Indonesia’s largest and most successful retailer of international brands and operates more than 500 stores throughout Indonesia.

New York tourists hit 44 million
New York attracted record numbers of tourists last year and is set to reach its goal of 50 million annual tourists by 2015. An estimated 44 million tourists visited New York in 2006, pumping $24b (£12.4b) into the economy. The city’s marketing arm, NYC & Company, will continue to market the city heavily, after figures revealed that America’s share of international travel has fallen to 6.1% from 9.4% in 1992.

China sees more starred hotels
A rise in the number of star-rated hotels in China will drive more tourists into the country, according to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). The number of starred hotels has reached 12,930, compared with 7,358 in 2001. Figures show that in 2006 there were 288 five-star hotels and more than 6,500 one and two-star properties. The CNTA said the rise would improve tourist numbers, which were 3.4% ahead of year-on-year figures in the first 10 months of 2006.

Dubai sees continued growth
Hotels in Dubai are showing continued growth, according to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Hotel revenues increased by 14% in the third quarter of last year, and totalled AED 2.039b (£287m). Hotel room occupancy reached 85%, making it one of the highest in the world. The number of hotel guests between July and September was 3.2% up on the same period last year. DTCM director general, Khalid A bin Sulayem, said: “This performance confirms Dubai’s rising stature on the world tourism map. Our aggressive promotional and marketing agenda has been helping the hospitality industry grow further and post impressive results.”

Mandarin Oriental sells of equity in New York
Mandarin Oriental International is to sell half of its equity its New York hotel, leaving the group’s total equity at 25%. The group’s partner, Apollo Real Estate and Related Companies, will also sell part of its equity to the same buyer; the Istithmar Columbus Centre Holding Company. The company, owned by the Government of Dubai, will hold 73% interest in the Mandarin Oriental. Mandarin Oriental International will continue to manage the award-winning 248-bedroom hotel, as well as 21 luxury hotels worldwide.

Starwood announces two new Westins
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, has announced the development of two new properties. The Westin Riverfront Resort, Spa and Mountain Villas in Colorado and its third Latin American property, The Westin Los Cabos Ocean Villas, in Mexico. The Los Cabos villas will sit opposite the existing Westin Resort and Spa, overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels and Resorts, said of the Colorado resort, due to be completed in time for the 2008 ski season: “The broad array of recreational and relaxation options, combined with Westin’s signature products and services, will bring new meaning to personal renewal for guests.”

By Alex Blakelock

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