Starwood to debut W Hotel in Jordan and other international hotel news

Starwood to debut W Hotel in Jordan
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced plans to debut a W Hotel in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Scheduled to open in 2011, the 280-room W Amman will be located in the Abdali New Downtown, in a mixed-use development in the centre of Amman, comprising apartments, office space, commercial and retail space and entertainment outlets. The hotel will feature a restaurant, destination bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a poolside bar. It will also include more than 4,000sq ft of meeting space as well as a spa and fitness centre.

Carlson appoints new president and CEO
Carlson has announced that its board of directors has appointed Hubert Joly as the company's new president and chief executive officer, effective from 1 March. Joly currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), a travel management company 55% owned by Carlson. He becomes Carlson's fourth CEO in the company's 70-year history, succeeding company co-owner and Marilyn Carlson Nelson, who will continue as Carlson's chairman of the board.

Weak dollar to impact on US travellers to UK and Europe
In a recent member survey conducted by the US Tour Operators Association, more than half of the companies serving Europe and Great Britain said their bookings to these areas dropped by up to 20% in 2007. Almost the same number of companies said they expect 2008 bookings to be equally affected. Additionally 60% of respondents said they expect the weak dollar to be reflected in 2008 prices, which would generally increase by 5-15%. However opinions were mixed as to the expected overall effect of the weak dollar with some companies saying higher prices will not impact on bookings. Several tour operators predicted that the low dollar will enhance bookings to other parts of the world, while others said that Americans may choose to travel domestically or not at all.

Regent to launch resort in Thailand
Regent Hotels & Resorts is to expand its presence in Asia with the launch of a new resort in Thailand in 2009. The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, which will be the first Regent property in Thailand, will be located on the south-eastern tip of Phuket Island. The 106-room resort will feature 48 terrace rooms, 22 deluxe villas, 35 pool villas and one presidential villa all with private ocean-view balconies. Resort amenities will include a 180ft swimming pool, tennis court and a fully equipped health centre as well as a spa with 10 treatment rooms. The hotel will also feature two 195sq ft function rooms.

By Kerstin Kühn

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