Essential news from around the world...
Marriott sees end to gloom
Hotel chain Marriott International has reported an 11% drop in profits for the third quarter of 2003, but said there were signs that the three-year slump in business travel may have hit the bottom. It forecast a rise in revenue per available room next year of 3%-4%.
Best Western has plans for China
Hotel group Best Western plans to add more than 50 hotels in the next two years throughout Asia, with the most aggressive growth planned for China. The chain already has eight hotels in China, with two more planned to open this year. Its aim is to have 100 hotels in China by 2007.
Most internet bookings from chains' own websites
Major hotel chains continue to receive most of their internet bookings through their own websites, according to the latest figures from electronic marketing firm Travelclick. Third-party websites accounted for 8.5% of bookings so far this year, while own-brand websites took 17.4%. The number of telephone bookings declined to 38.5% of reservations, against 41.5% at the same point last year.
New operator for Sydney airport hotel
The 266-bedroom Sydney Airport Hilton hotel in Australia is to be rebranded as the Mercure Sydney Airport, following the decision of the owners - the Winten Property Group and the Lyon Group - to replace Hilton with Accor as manager of the hotel.
Host Marriott buys Hawaii hotel
Property company Host Marriott Corporation has bought the 806-bedroom Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Hawaii for $321m (£192m) from an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors. The hotel is forecast to make a profit of €33m (£19.7m) this year.
Hilton plans Amazon "eco-lodge"
Hilton International is planning a five-star resort in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. The 196-bedroom Hilton Amazon Eco-Lodge is scheduled for completion in late 2005. It is expected to employ more than 300 staff.
Four Seasons opens in Miami
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has opened its first property in Miami, Florida. The 221-bedroom hotel is situated in the 70-storey Four Seasons Hotel and Towers, a mixed use development that also includes residential, retail and office space.