The Dept. of Commerce's International Trade Administration announced this morning (4/29):
For Immediate Release: April 29, 2008
WORLD TRAVELERS FLOCK TO THE UNITED STATES
International visitation up 11 percent & Spending at $11.4 billion for January 2008
"WASHINGTON–The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that in January 2008, visitation to the United States, as well as spending by those visitors, continued to rise, marked by 3.4 million international visitors, an increase of 11 percent over January 2007.
International visitors also spent a record $11.38 billion in January, a 23 percent increase from January 2007. Spending by international travelers while in the United States, including travel receipts and passenger fares, is defined as a U.S. export. Exports are a critical driver of economic growth in the U.S. economy. In 2007, the United States exported $1.6 trillion of goods and services—nearly a 13.0 percent increase over 2006." ....
for the complete press release
for the complete vistor numbers report
for the complete visitor spending report
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Marina white paper
Boating Industry has released its marina/boating industry white paper (actually a series of articles on the industry from it's January issue) on best practices and trends in the industry.
Collect your own copy
Collect your own copy
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
local and regional real estate/business news
California Real Estate Journal (3/31): Grand Avenue hotel tax rebates; L.A. Dept of Parks under investigation for budget surplus
Indian Country Today (3/26): MA Class II licensing decision; OR town split on proposed tribal casino; Fort Sill Apaches try to expedite NM casino
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/24): L.A. luxury hotels expanding spa facilities; commercial real estate market problems
San Fernando Valley Business Journal (3/17): biotech corridor on the 101; space science center in Sun Valley; LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) Palm Garden opened; Calabasas Film Fest
San Diego Business Journal (3/24): Padres ticket sales slump
California Real Estate Journal (3/24): workforce apartments financially feasible?; Inland Empire industrial growth; San Diego downtown hotel in trademark suit; CA water restrictions and development (series of articles); CA green/sustainability standards stalled in committee
Crain's Chicago Business (3/10): office vacancies up slightly
Orange County Business Journal (3/24): Disney and OC hotels doing well for 1st quarter
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/17): alternative energy; L.A. port's foreign trade zone expanding
New Orleans City Business (3/10): NOLA office space overbooked
California Real Estate Journal (3/17): SCAG regional transportation plan raising concerns; redevelopment zones set to expire?; San Diego Navy Broadway complex question on environmental issues
San Diego Business Journal ( 3/17): Sea World, Legoland growing; San Diego County hotel room rates and occupancy down in 1st quarter
New Orleans City Business (March 17): LA film tax credit program; real estate market stabilizing
Indian Country Today (3/26): MA Class II licensing decision; OR town split on proposed tribal casino; Fort Sill Apaches try to expedite NM casino
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/24): L.A. luxury hotels expanding spa facilities; commercial real estate market problems
San Fernando Valley Business Journal (3/17): biotech corridor on the 101; space science center in Sun Valley; LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) Palm Garden opened; Calabasas Film Fest
San Diego Business Journal (3/24): Padres ticket sales slump
California Real Estate Journal (3/24): workforce apartments financially feasible?; Inland Empire industrial growth; San Diego downtown hotel in trademark suit; CA water restrictions and development (series of articles); CA green/sustainability standards stalled in committee
Crain's Chicago Business (3/10): office vacancies up slightly
Orange County Business Journal (3/24): Disney and OC hotels doing well for 1st quarter
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/17): alternative energy; L.A. port's foreign trade zone expanding
New Orleans City Business (3/10): NOLA office space overbooked
California Real Estate Journal (3/17): SCAG regional transportation plan raising concerns; redevelopment zones set to expire?; San Diego Navy Broadway complex question on environmental issues
San Diego Business Journal ( 3/17): Sea World, Legoland growing; San Diego County hotel room rates and occupancy down in 1st quarter
New Orleans City Business (March 17): LA film tax credit program; real estate market stabilizing
Monday, April 21, 2008
San Pedro coming out
from today's LABJ (4/21):
Special Report: The Promise of San Pedro
Special Report: Real Estate Quarterly
By HOWARD FINE - 4/21/2008
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
"Once a bustling waterfront community full of fishermen, cannery workers and shipbuilders, downtown San Pedro has in recent decades become a symbol of urban decay." ....
"Seedy bars and tattoo parlors, mom-and-pop stores struggling in half-vacant buildings and low-income housing projects – all within yards of the waterfront and the massive Port of Los Angeles complex.
But, finally, San Pedro is showing some signs of new life.
Led by a wave of loft and condominium developments, more than 1,200 residential units have been completed or are under construction, most of these in five major projects that also contain tens of thousands of square feet of retail space. New businesses are opening up, halting a decades-long business exodus. In addition, plans for a waterfront makeover are finally getting some serious attention." ...
for the complete story
Special Report: The Promise of San Pedro
Special Report: Real Estate Quarterly
By HOWARD FINE - 4/21/2008
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
"Once a bustling waterfront community full of fishermen, cannery workers and shipbuilders, downtown San Pedro has in recent decades become a symbol of urban decay." ....
"Seedy bars and tattoo parlors, mom-and-pop stores struggling in half-vacant buildings and low-income housing projects – all within yards of the waterfront and the massive Port of Los Angeles complex.
But, finally, San Pedro is showing some signs of new life.
Led by a wave of loft and condominium developments, more than 1,200 residential units have been completed or are under construction, most of these in five major projects that also contain tens of thousands of square feet of retail space. New businesses are opening up, halting a decades-long business exodus. In addition, plans for a waterfront makeover are finally getting some serious attention." ...
for the complete story
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
World looking to US for suburbia clues
from today's USA Today (4/16):
Modern suburbia: It's not just in America anymore;
China, other nations see USA as a model for how to handle growth -- and what to avoid
Haya El Nasser
"A Chinese delegation from Beijing arrived in Phoenix last month and headed west to the Sonoran Desert, deep into suburbia. Its destination: a quintessential American residential development in Buckeye, one of the many suburbs dotting the sprawling metropolitan area.
Members of the group studied the streetscape, the golf course, the spa, the cybercafe, the health care amenities and the design of the single-family homes at Sun City Festival, a 3,000-acre, planned community for people over 55. They commented on the cleanliness and orderliness of it all.
The 25 Chinese who toured the Del Webb development were not seniors planning their retirement but government officials and their spouses, a couple of architects and a banker. Their mission: study American suburbia with an eye toward replicating it back home.
For good or bad, the USA's suburbs have become a living laboratory for the world. Developing countries contending with explosive population growth and economic expansion are looking here for hints about how to manage growing cities. For many, modern suburbia -- a largely American concept and lifestyle for more than 50 years -- is a nirvana worth emulating. Others want to avoid it." ...
for the complete story
Modern suburbia: It's not just in America anymore;
China, other nations see USA as a model for how to handle growth -- and what to avoid
Haya El Nasser
"A Chinese delegation from Beijing arrived in Phoenix last month and headed west to the Sonoran Desert, deep into suburbia. Its destination: a quintessential American residential development in Buckeye, one of the many suburbs dotting the sprawling metropolitan area.
Members of the group studied the streetscape, the golf course, the spa, the cybercafe, the health care amenities and the design of the single-family homes at Sun City Festival, a 3,000-acre, planned community for people over 55. They commented on the cleanliness and orderliness of it all.
The 25 Chinese who toured the Del Webb development were not seniors planning their retirement but government officials and their spouses, a couple of architects and a banker. Their mission: study American suburbia with an eye toward replicating it back home.
For good or bad, the USA's suburbs have become a living laboratory for the world. Developing countries contending with explosive population growth and economic expansion are looking here for hints about how to manage growing cities. For many, modern suburbia -- a largely American concept and lifestyle for more than 50 years -- is a nirvana worth emulating. Others want to avoid it." ...
for the complete story
Affordable housing tax proposed for Broward County, FL
from today's Fort Lauderdale's Sun-Sentinel (4/16):
AFFORDABLE HOUSING TAX CONSIDERED;
BROWARD PLAN WOULD TAP NEW BUSINESSES
Scott Wyman Staff writer
"New businesses could be taxed to help generate affordable housing needed for workers under a proposal that Broward County officials agreed to explore Tuesday.
About $2.6 million could be raised to build homes or rental complexes or help families with home purchases if the county were to charge developers an extra $1 per square foot for their projects.
Builders have expressed skepticism about the housing fees, but supporters argue it will provide needed financing to solve a long-standing problem. Independent studies have repeatedly shown the area has a shortfall of housing for low- and middle-income families because wages have not kept pace with real estate prices and rents." ...
for the complete story
AFFORDABLE HOUSING TAX CONSIDERED;
BROWARD PLAN WOULD TAP NEW BUSINESSES
Scott Wyman Staff writer
"New businesses could be taxed to help generate affordable housing needed for workers under a proposal that Broward County officials agreed to explore Tuesday.
About $2.6 million could be raised to build homes or rental complexes or help families with home purchases if the county were to charge developers an extra $1 per square foot for their projects.
Builders have expressed skepticism about the housing fees, but supporters argue it will provide needed financing to solve a long-standing problem. Independent studies have repeatedly shown the area has a shortfall of housing for low- and middle-income families because wages have not kept pace with real estate prices and rents." ...
for the complete story
Indian gaming revenues down
from today's Indian Country Today online (4/16):
NIGA optimistic in a time when revenues are down
Posted: April 16, 2008
by: Jerry Reynolds
"WASHINGTON - The growth rate in revenues from Indian gaming has fallen by more than half, from 12 percent in 2006 to 5.5 or 6 percent in 2007, according to the National Indian Gaming Association." ...
"NIGA doesn't forecast the future economic performance of Indian gaming, Van Norman said, but added that the industry's track record, combined with examples of growth in local venues, is cause for optimism." ...
for the complete story
NIGA optimistic in a time when revenues are down
Posted: April 16, 2008
by: Jerry Reynolds
"WASHINGTON - The growth rate in revenues from Indian gaming has fallen by more than half, from 12 percent in 2006 to 5.5 or 6 percent in 2007, according to the National Indian Gaming Association." ...
"NIGA doesn't forecast the future economic performance of Indian gaming, Van Norman said, but added that the industry's track record, combined with examples of growth in local venues, is cause for optimism." ...
for the complete story
Miami Downtown Development Authority funds facade improvement
from this morning's GlobeSt (4/16):
Last updated: April 15, 2008 04:29pm
Miami Launches Facade Improvement Program
By Crystal Proenza
(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of Real Estate Florida.)
"MIAMI-The Miami Downtown Development Authority has launched a facade improvement grant program for existing buildings in the shadows of the city's newer condominium and office towers. The program is intended to assist building owners within the historic district to improve their exteriors, beautify properties and mitigate code violations.
According to the published guidelines, the program is designed to incentivize exterior improvements to commercial properties in order to create a better environment for customers, residents, and visitors. While other Miami DDA programs contribute to streetscape improvements and enhanced safety, the environment still lacks the aesthetics required to attract quality retail, evening activity and customers, according to the program guidelines.
Under part of the program aimed at tenant improvement, businesses will be eligible for grants reimbursing up to 75% of the cost of improvements, including masonry, security, gates, awnings, paint, window/door glazing, signage, lighting and electrical repairs. Grant funds will be available with a project cap of $75,000 on a matching 75/25 system with up to $56,250, or 75%, available from the grant fund and a minimum 25% from the property owner." ...
for the complete story
Last updated: April 15, 2008 04:29pm
Miami Launches Facade Improvement Program
By Crystal Proenza
(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of Real Estate Florida.)
"MIAMI-The Miami Downtown Development Authority has launched a facade improvement grant program for existing buildings in the shadows of the city's newer condominium and office towers. The program is intended to assist building owners within the historic district to improve their exteriors, beautify properties and mitigate code violations.
According to the published guidelines, the program is designed to incentivize exterior improvements to commercial properties in order to create a better environment for customers, residents, and visitors. While other Miami DDA programs contribute to streetscape improvements and enhanced safety, the environment still lacks the aesthetics required to attract quality retail, evening activity and customers, according to the program guidelines.
Under part of the program aimed at tenant improvement, businesses will be eligible for grants reimbursing up to 75% of the cost of improvements, including masonry, security, gates, awnings, paint, window/door glazing, signage, lighting and electrical repairs. Grant funds will be available with a project cap of $75,000 on a matching 75/25 system with up to $56,250, or 75%, available from the grant fund and a minimum 25% from the property owner." ...
for the complete story
China leads world in airport city development
from this morning's GlobeSt (4/16):
Last updated: April 16, 2008 09:54am
China Leading Globally With Airport City Plans
By Connie Gore
"BEIJING-To keep up with its exponential growth on all fronts, China has embraced the airport cities concept by setting a five-year plan in motion to develop all types of commercial space inside and outside their anchors' fences. The building frenzy is an offshoot of double-digit annual growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
China is leading the world in the development of airport cities, with 15 in various stages of planning as support for an aeronautical pipeline calling for 95 additional airports by 2020 for the existing base of 149 facilities, according to Ping Wang, co-founder and EVP of Washington, DC-based Garfinkle & Wang Associates, and the general manager of GCW [Beijing] Ltd. He said seven of the country's existing airports, which include shared facilities with the military, are supporting 70% of the country's annual passenger and cargo traffic.
As a result of the hard push, the country is caught in an infrastructure race to build roads and high-speed rail to support office, retail, logistics, manufacturing and residential development, all airport-anchored and related." ....
for the complete story
Last updated: April 16, 2008 09:54am
China Leading Globally With Airport City Plans
By Connie Gore
"BEIJING-To keep up with its exponential growth on all fronts, China has embraced the airport cities concept by setting a five-year plan in motion to develop all types of commercial space inside and outside their anchors' fences. The building frenzy is an offshoot of double-digit annual growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
China is leading the world in the development of airport cities, with 15 in various stages of planning as support for an aeronautical pipeline calling for 95 additional airports by 2020 for the existing base of 149 facilities, according to Ping Wang, co-founder and EVP of Washington, DC-based Garfinkle & Wang Associates, and the general manager of GCW [Beijing] Ltd. He said seven of the country's existing airports, which include shared facilities with the military, are supporting 70% of the country's annual passenger and cargo traffic.
As a result of the hard push, the country is caught in an infrastructure race to build roads and high-speed rail to support office, retail, logistics, manufacturing and residential development, all airport-anchored and related." ....
for the complete story
Houston City-owned Hilton going on the market
from this morning's GlobeSt (4/16):
Last updated: April 16, 2008 09:30am
24-Story Hilton Americas Hitting Market in May
By Amy Wolff Sorter
"HOUSTON-The 1,203-room Hilton Americas-Houston will be put on the sales block within 30 days. The no minimum-ask offering is predicted to draw upward of $350 million.
Developed by the City of Houston, the hotel at 1600 Lamar St. is owned by the Houston Convention Center Hotel Corp., which was charged with stabilizing it. Occupancy at the 2007 close was 64.2%, with its average daily room rate at $147." ...
for the complete story
Last updated: April 16, 2008 09:30am
24-Story Hilton Americas Hitting Market in May
By Amy Wolff Sorter
"HOUSTON-The 1,203-room Hilton Americas-Houston will be put on the sales block within 30 days. The no minimum-ask offering is predicted to draw upward of $350 million.
Developed by the City of Houston, the hotel at 1600 Lamar St. is owned by the Houston Convention Center Hotel Corp., which was charged with stabilizing it. Occupancy at the 2007 close was 64.2%, with its average daily room rate at $147." ...
for the complete story
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
American Express releases figures on travel-related rate trends
from American Express (4/15):
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE SURGED AS DOMESTIC AIRFARE LEVELED OFF IN 2007 ACCORDING TO AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS TRAVEL
Hotel Supply Constraints Drove High Costs As Competition for Business Travelers Propelled Product Improvements; American Express Announced New Consulting Focus Aimed at Managing Traveler Behavior
"NEW YORK, April 15, 2008 -- American Express Business Travel today released analysis of North America based domestic and international air, hotel and car rental rates for the full year 2007. Using data from its Business Travel Monitor, the industry's pricing benchmark, international rates experienced price increases across the board while domestic airfare and hotel rates remained stable.
"Tight global supply and another year of high fuel costs drove continued price growth for international business travel in 2007 even as domestic prices flattened," said Hervé Sedky, Vice President and General Manager, Global Advisory Services, American Express Business Travel. "Companies can achieve savings in this environment through a well managed, dynamic travel and entertainment program allowing the flexibility to adjust their travel policies in real-time accordance with fast-moving industry changes. To help lock in savings, it's also essential for companies to clearly communicate policy changes to travelers in order to influence their spending behavior while on the road." ....
for the complete story with tables on ADR and flight expenses by type and year
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE SURGED AS DOMESTIC AIRFARE LEVELED OFF IN 2007 ACCORDING TO AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS TRAVEL
Hotel Supply Constraints Drove High Costs As Competition for Business Travelers Propelled Product Improvements; American Express Announced New Consulting Focus Aimed at Managing Traveler Behavior
"NEW YORK, April 15, 2008 -- American Express Business Travel today released analysis of North America based domestic and international air, hotel and car rental rates for the full year 2007. Using data from its Business Travel Monitor, the industry's pricing benchmark, international rates experienced price increases across the board while domestic airfare and hotel rates remained stable.
"Tight global supply and another year of high fuel costs drove continued price growth for international business travel in 2007 even as domestic prices flattened," said Hervé Sedky, Vice President and General Manager, Global Advisory Services, American Express Business Travel. "Companies can achieve savings in this environment through a well managed, dynamic travel and entertainment program allowing the flexibility to adjust their travel policies in real-time accordance with fast-moving industry changes. To help lock in savings, it's also essential for companies to clearly communicate policy changes to travelers in order to influence their spending behavior while on the road." ....
for the complete story with tables on ADR and flight expenses by type and year
Marriott announces new properties in India
from today's Hotels newsletter (4/15):
Marriott Announces Four Hotels in India
Travel Business Review, April 15, 2008 Tuesday
"Four new hotels worth over USD400m have been announced by Marriott International Inc (NYSE:MAR).
The hotels are to debut in India by 2010 in the cities of New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Amritsar. This project is in collaboration with Emaar MGF, one of India's real estate developers. The hotels are to be part of the JW Marriott brand except for the one in Amritsar, which is to be Courtyard by Marriott Amritsar." ...
for the complete story
Marriott Announces Four Hotels in India
Travel Business Review, April 15, 2008 Tuesday
"Four new hotels worth over USD400m have been announced by Marriott International Inc (NYSE:MAR).
The hotels are to debut in India by 2010 in the cities of New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Amritsar. This project is in collaboration with Emaar MGF, one of India's real estate developers. The hotels are to be part of the JW Marriott brand except for the one in Amritsar, which is to be Courtyard by Marriott Amritsar." ...
for the complete story
Dubai World and Senegal team for resort
from today's Hotels newsletter (4/15):
Dubai World to develop hotel, beach resort on Goree Island
Emirates News Agency, April 15, 2008 Tuesday 6:56 PM EST
"Dubai - Dubai World on Tuesday (April 15) signed an MOU with the Government of Senegal to develop a world-class 5-star hotel and beach resort on Gor?e Island, as well as a bird sanctuary and reserve north of Dakar and another game reserve close to the Senegalese capital.
Agreements to this effect were signed in Dakar by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, and Cheikh Hadjibou Soumare, the Prime Minister of Senegal, in the presence of Karim Wade, Special Advisor to the President of Senegal and Chairman of the National Agency of Organisation of Islamic Conference (ANOCI)." ...
for the complete story
Dubai World to develop hotel, beach resort on Goree Island
Emirates News Agency, April 15, 2008 Tuesday 6:56 PM EST
"Dubai - Dubai World on Tuesday (April 15) signed an MOU with the Government of Senegal to develop a world-class 5-star hotel and beach resort on Gor?e Island, as well as a bird sanctuary and reserve north of Dakar and another game reserve close to the Senegalese capital.
Agreements to this effect were signed in Dakar by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, and Cheikh Hadjibou Soumare, the Prime Minister of Senegal, in the presence of Karim Wade, Special Advisor to the President of Senegal and Chairman of the National Agency of Organisation of Islamic Conference (ANOCI)." ...
for the complete story
Hilton Novosibirsk
from today's Hotels newsletter (4/14):
Doubletree by Hilton(TM) to Launch in Russia; Doubletree by Hilton Novosibirsk expected to open in Fall 2008
Business Wire, April 14, 2008 Monday 1:59 AM GMT
"Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has today announced that it has entered into a franchise agreement with ZAO Russkaya Kompaniya Razvitiya (a wholly owned subsidiary of the London & Regional group) to introduce the Doubletree by Hilton(TM)hotel product in Russia.
This agreement forms part of a 'Strategic Development Alliance' with London & Regional Properties Limited (L&R) which (once formalised) is expected to introduce approximately 25 new hotels across Russia, encompassing selected brands within the Hilton Family of Hotels.
Scheduled to open towards the end of 2008, the upscale, full service hotel Doubletree by Hilton brand will debut in Novosibirsk, Russia's third largest and fastest growing city, marking Hilton's rapid expansion into the country with three different hotel brands launching this year." ...
for the complete story
Doubletree by Hilton(TM) to Launch in Russia; Doubletree by Hilton Novosibirsk expected to open in Fall 2008
Business Wire, April 14, 2008 Monday 1:59 AM GMT
"Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has today announced that it has entered into a franchise agreement with ZAO Russkaya Kompaniya Razvitiya (a wholly owned subsidiary of the London & Regional group) to introduce the Doubletree by Hilton(TM)hotel product in Russia.
This agreement forms part of a 'Strategic Development Alliance' with London & Regional Properties Limited (L&R) which (once formalised) is expected to introduce approximately 25 new hotels across Russia, encompassing selected brands within the Hilton Family of Hotels.
Scheduled to open towards the end of 2008, the upscale, full service hotel Doubletree by Hilton brand will debut in Novosibirsk, Russia's third largest and fastest growing city, marking Hilton's rapid expansion into the country with three different hotel brands launching this year." ...
for the complete story
spa trends
from today's Hotels newsletter (4/15):
Profitable Spas: Be On-Trend Rather Than Trendy
-- Hotels, 4/15/2008 7:34:00 AM
By Judith L. Singer, Ed.D., ISHC, President & Co-Owner Health Fitness Dynamics, Pompano Beach, Florida. www.hfdspa.com
"As someone who has made a career out of researching, planning, marketing and providing management advisory services for the spa industry, I have seen the “good, bad and the ugly” in terms of facilities, treatment menus, service standards, staffing schedule, compensation programs, marketing messages, financial statements, etc.
As I look ahead, there are many challenges and opportunities for the spa industry. In this article, I am presenting some ideas that might help you prepare for the future. Keep in mind that the future is tomorrow, so if any of the ideas make sense, think about how you can use them now.
One of the most popular marketing terms in the hospitality industry is the 3 letter word called “spa.” Other industries have since adopted this term as a marketing tool, e.g., auto spa, spa tea, spa shoes, spa pillows, spa music, spa candles, spa cuisine, spa lifestyle, etc. Spas have become an adjective as well as a noun. They are a commodity as well as an experience. This is good because it broadens the awareness of the term, but there is a danger in the hospitality industry with people jumping on the spa bandwagon to develop or operate a spa without always understanding what the consumer expects, what it costs to build and operate, what are the economic realities and risks, etc.
Spas are “hot” but it is easy to get “burned” unless your spa development, marketing and management plans are on-trend and market-driven. There is very little room for error. Spas are part of just about every new four and five star resort, condo-hotel and lifestyle real estate development. They are also being added to existing properties so that the property does not lose its market share or competitive positioning. Consumers are very spa savvy so it’s important to know how to make your spa different from and better than that of your competitors.
We always tell our clients that they do NOT want to be in the spa business per se. They should only build a spa if it contributes to their “core” business of selling rooms or real-estate. We are not believers in “build it and they will come” although if you do not have a spa, your property may not even be considered by meeting planners or leisure guests. Hospitality operators need to be committed to marketing and integrating the spa into their “core” business if they want it to be a profitable business as well as an asset to the overall lodging or real estate venture." ....
for the complete story
Profitable Spas: Be On-Trend Rather Than Trendy
-- Hotels, 4/15/2008 7:34:00 AM
By Judith L. Singer, Ed.D., ISHC, President & Co-Owner Health Fitness Dynamics, Pompano Beach, Florida. www.hfdspa.com
"As someone who has made a career out of researching, planning, marketing and providing management advisory services for the spa industry, I have seen the “good, bad and the ugly” in terms of facilities, treatment menus, service standards, staffing schedule, compensation programs, marketing messages, financial statements, etc.
As I look ahead, there are many challenges and opportunities for the spa industry. In this article, I am presenting some ideas that might help you prepare for the future. Keep in mind that the future is tomorrow, so if any of the ideas make sense, think about how you can use them now.
One of the most popular marketing terms in the hospitality industry is the 3 letter word called “spa.” Other industries have since adopted this term as a marketing tool, e.g., auto spa, spa tea, spa shoes, spa pillows, spa music, spa candles, spa cuisine, spa lifestyle, etc. Spas have become an adjective as well as a noun. They are a commodity as well as an experience. This is good because it broadens the awareness of the term, but there is a danger in the hospitality industry with people jumping on the spa bandwagon to develop or operate a spa without always understanding what the consumer expects, what it costs to build and operate, what are the economic realities and risks, etc.
Spas are “hot” but it is easy to get “burned” unless your spa development, marketing and management plans are on-trend and market-driven. There is very little room for error. Spas are part of just about every new four and five star resort, condo-hotel and lifestyle real estate development. They are also being added to existing properties so that the property does not lose its market share or competitive positioning. Consumers are very spa savvy so it’s important to know how to make your spa different from and better than that of your competitors.
We always tell our clients that they do NOT want to be in the spa business per se. They should only build a spa if it contributes to their “core” business of selling rooms or real-estate. We are not believers in “build it and they will come” although if you do not have a spa, your property may not even be considered by meeting planners or leisure guests. Hospitality operators need to be committed to marketing and integrating the spa into their “core” business if they want it to be a profitable business as well as an asset to the overall lodging or real estate venture." ....
for the complete story
Monday, April 14, 2008
New Ritz-Carlton with estate homes for Paradise Valley, AZ
from today's GlobeSt (4/14):
UPDATE Last updated: April 14, 2008 07:55am
Town Council OKs $1.5B Ritz-Carlton Development
By John McCloud
"PARADISE VALLEY, AZ-In a unanimous vote, Paradise Valley Town Council has approved a $1.5-billion hotel and residential development that would be the first luxury master-planned community under the Ritz-Carlton brand. With a final map now being drawn, presales could begin as early as May.
The 123-acre project is being developed by Five Star Development Group Inc. of neighboring Scottsdale, AZ in partnership with Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. LLC of Chevy Chase, MD." ... "the project will include a 225-room Ritz-Carlton hotel and 160 villas and estate homes as well as 15 one-acre home sites." ...
for the complete story
UPDATE Last updated: April 14, 2008 07:55am
Town Council OKs $1.5B Ritz-Carlton Development
By John McCloud
"PARADISE VALLEY, AZ-In a unanimous vote, Paradise Valley Town Council has approved a $1.5-billion hotel and residential development that would be the first luxury master-planned community under the Ritz-Carlton brand. With a final map now being drawn, presales could begin as early as May.
The 123-acre project is being developed by Five Star Development Group Inc. of neighboring Scottsdale, AZ in partnership with Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. LLC of Chevy Chase, MD." ... "the project will include a 225-room Ritz-Carlton hotel and 160 villas and estate homes as well as 15 one-acre home sites." ...
for the complete story
North Las Vegas casino resort, community development JV announced
from this morning's GlobeSt. (4/14):
Last updated: April 14, 2008 07:54am
Boyd, Olympia Propose North-End Resort, Casino
By Brian K. Miller
"LAS VEGAS-Boyd Gaming Corp. and Olympia Gaming have formed a joint venture to develop a $1-billion-plus casino, resort and spa on the northern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. The JV filed an application with the City of North Las Vegas this week to develop the mixed-use entertainment center on a 66-acre site at Losee Road and Interstate 215, a few exits west of Interstate 15 in the Park Highlands master-planned community.
The preliminary proposal calls for 1,200 hotel rooms to be built over three phases. The first phase would include 400 hotel rooms, a casino, race and sports book, restaurants, meeting rooms and other entertainment amenities. Boyd Gaming will construct and manage the casino, resort and spa on behalf of the joint venture; assuming approval, construction of the casino would not begin for three- to five years, allowing additional time for the surrounding area to be built out.
The Park Highlands development is expected to feature six school sites; a regional police station; a fire station; a post office; a public library; 130 acres of dedicated parks and trails; and 300 acres of preservation area. Boyd says costs for infrastructure and improvements are estimated to be in excess of $1 billion. Olympia, American West, Astoria, Standard Pacific and D.R. Horton are the homebuilders." ...
for the complete story
Last updated: April 14, 2008 07:54am
Boyd, Olympia Propose North-End Resort, Casino
By Brian K. Miller
"LAS VEGAS-Boyd Gaming Corp. and Olympia Gaming have formed a joint venture to develop a $1-billion-plus casino, resort and spa on the northern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. The JV filed an application with the City of North Las Vegas this week to develop the mixed-use entertainment center on a 66-acre site at Losee Road and Interstate 215, a few exits west of Interstate 15 in the Park Highlands master-planned community.
The preliminary proposal calls for 1,200 hotel rooms to be built over three phases. The first phase would include 400 hotel rooms, a casino, race and sports book, restaurants, meeting rooms and other entertainment amenities. Boyd Gaming will construct and manage the casino, resort and spa on behalf of the joint venture; assuming approval, construction of the casino would not begin for three- to five years, allowing additional time for the surrounding area to be built out.
The Park Highlands development is expected to feature six school sites; a regional police station; a fire station; a post office; a public library; 130 acres of dedicated parks and trails; and 300 acres of preservation area. Boyd says costs for infrastructure and improvements are estimated to be in excess of $1 billion. Olympia, American West, Astoria, Standard Pacific and D.R. Horton are the homebuilders." ...
for the complete story
Labor and tourism in Asia and the Pacific
from this morning's STR enews highlights (4/14):
The Quiet Battle for Travel and Tourism Talent
The "war for talent" is real
"BANGKOK, THAILAND | The labour pool will soon shrink in many Asia Pacific destinations, even while more than two-thirds of the world's new jobs will be created in the region.
But this does not necessitate slower travel and tourism industry growth rates." ...
"Delegates learned that working-age populations will begin to contract in Korea (ROK) in 2015; China (PRC) in 2016; Singapore in 2017; and Thailand in 2025. In Japan, the number of workers in the population started to decline in 1994.
In the travel and tourism industry, inexperienced staff members are being fast-tracked into positions of responsibility quicker than ever before. Salaries are rising as competition for talent heats up and employees show a willingness to job-hop." ...
for the complete story
The Quiet Battle for Travel and Tourism Talent
The "war for talent" is real
"BANGKOK, THAILAND | The labour pool will soon shrink in many Asia Pacific destinations, even while more than two-thirds of the world's new jobs will be created in the region.
But this does not necessitate slower travel and tourism industry growth rates." ...
"Delegates learned that working-age populations will begin to contract in Korea (ROK) in 2015; China (PRC) in 2016; Singapore in 2017; and Thailand in 2025. In Japan, the number of workers in the population started to decline in 1994.
In the travel and tourism industry, inexperienced staff members are being fast-tracked into positions of responsibility quicker than ever before. Salaries are rising as competition for talent heats up and employees show a willingness to job-hop." ...
for the complete story
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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