The 2009-2013 Global Entertainment and Media Outlook from PriceWaterhouseCoopers now exists as a link off its Buzz record.
The Outlook reviews international entertainment markets and their trends broken out by region (US, Asia, Latin America, Canada, Europe, Middle East, etc.). It has topical chapters covering such sectors as as the film industry, television, video games, and publishing.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Olympic host cities and the economic impact of the Games
Check out the latest issue of Planning (Feb) for an article on whether host cities win or lose from an Olympic Games. [The article includes a sidebar on Vancouver's emphasis on sustainabiliy in its development for the Games.]
Friday, February 12, 2010
Chicago theaters (stage) ticket sales on the rise, funding in decline
from today's Crain's Chicago Business (2/12):
Chicago theaters see philanthropic, state support decline even as ticket sales rebound
By: Monée Fields-White February 08, 2010
"Theater fans are buying more tickets, but corporations, foundations and the state of Illinois are spoiling the happy ending for Chicago's recession-racked theater industry.
Lookingglass Theatre Company just finished its most successful subscription season in its 22-year history. The Joffrey Ballet saw a 19% jump in ticket revenue in its most recent fiscal year. And the Goodman Theatre closed out its 2008-09 season with a 15% increase in single-ticket sales." ...
for the complete story
Chicago theaters see philanthropic, state support decline even as ticket sales rebound
By: Monée Fields-White February 08, 2010
"Theater fans are buying more tickets, but corporations, foundations and the state of Illinois are spoiling the happy ending for Chicago's recession-racked theater industry.
Lookingglass Theatre Company just finished its most successful subscription season in its 22-year history. The Joffrey Ballet saw a 19% jump in ticket revenue in its most recent fiscal year. And the Goodman Theatre closed out its 2008-09 season with a 15% increase in single-ticket sales." ...
for the complete story
Thursday, February 11, 2010
U.S. high-speed rail plans
from CNN (2/10)
High-speed rail: Skipping your town
By Steve Hargreaves, CNNMoney.com staff writerFebruary 10, 2010: 11:30 AM ET
"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Most of the $8 billion in high-speed rail funds that President Obama awarded last month will not be used for high-speed projects, but rather to improvements designed to make existing lines faster.
Only $3.5 billion is being spent on truly high-speed rail, a sum that's not remotely close to what's needed to build a 21st century rail network. The money is going toward two projects -- one in California and the other in Florida -- that have yet to begin construction." ...
for the complete story
High-speed rail: Skipping your town
By Steve Hargreaves, CNNMoney.com staff writerFebruary 10, 2010: 11:30 AM ET
"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Most of the $8 billion in high-speed rail funds that President Obama awarded last month will not be used for high-speed projects, but rather to improvements designed to make existing lines faster.
Only $3.5 billion is being spent on truly high-speed rail, a sum that's not remotely close to what's needed to build a 21st century rail network. The money is going toward two projects -- one in California and the other in Florida -- that have yet to begin construction." ...
for the complete story
Duabi to sell QE2
from USA Today (2/9)
Dubai selling off the Queen Elizabeth 2?
By Ben Rooney, staff reporterFebruary 9, 2010: 2:45 PM ET
"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Dubai is reportedly preparing to sell a host of assets, including one of the world's best known cruise ships, as the emirate's investment arm looks to restructure a mountain of debt." ...
for the complete story
Dubai selling off the Queen Elizabeth 2?
By Ben Rooney, staff reporterFebruary 9, 2010: 2:45 PM ET
"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Dubai is reportedly preparing to sell a host of assets, including one of the world's best known cruise ships, as the emirate's investment arm looks to restructure a mountain of debt." ...
for the complete story
Latin America hotel/resort development pipeline continues to decline
from today's Hotels (2/11):
Latin America Projects Off 34% From Peak
PRESS RELEASE -- Hotels, 2/11/2010 9:21:21 AM
"The Latin America Construction Pipeline declined for a seventh consecutive quarter in Q4 2009 to 453 projects/74,946 rooms, reaching a new low for the current development cycle. Total projects have declined 34% from the Q1 2008 peak, with rooms down 42%. The Caribbean and South America saw the largest drop-offs from the peak." ....
for the compelte release
Latin America Projects Off 34% From Peak
PRESS RELEASE -- Hotels, 2/11/2010 9:21:21 AM
"The Latin America Construction Pipeline declined for a seventh consecutive quarter in Q4 2009 to 453 projects/74,946 rooms, reaching a new low for the current development cycle. Total projects have declined 34% from the Q1 2008 peak, with rooms down 42%. The Caribbean and South America saw the largest drop-offs from the peak." ....
for the compelte release
Singapore expects big things from its new resorts
from today's Hotels (2/11):
Singapore Tourism Emerges With Integrated Resorts
More socially liberal government paves the way for casino-resort projects and a new economic sector.
Jeff Weinstein, Editor in Chief -- Hotels, 2/11/2010 8:23:00 AM
"SINGAPORE — Singapore has been missing that "certain something" as a tourist destination. Now, finally, it may have the answer in two integrated casino-resorts-the recently opened US$4.4 billion Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) from Malaysian gaming giant Genting Group and the US$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands (MBS) now slated for a late-April opening.
The Sands project reportedly was nearing default late last year, but Las Vegas Sands Corp. raised US$2.1 billion in a bond sale to complete the project.
The two resorts-with government regulations allotting less than 5% of their space for gaming-reflects an attempt to diversify Singapore's tourism base to compete more effectively with neighboring countries. But whether or not Singapore can compete with Macau or become the Las Vegas of Southeast Asia might depend on how consumers react to the expected imposition of restrictions in the form of a S$2,000 (US$1,440) annual fee or S$100 entry fee, as well as stringent rules for traditional gambling junkets to deter money laundering.
However, the two resorts are expected to contribute about 1% to 2% of Singapore's gross domestic product, help the country achieve visitor arrival goals of 17 million by 2015 (10 million in 2008) and eventually add 35,000 jobs to the economy. The government hopes to boost tourism earning to S$30 billion (US$21.5 billion) by 2015-tripling current figures." ...
for the complete story
Singapore Tourism Emerges With Integrated Resorts
More socially liberal government paves the way for casino-resort projects and a new economic sector.
Jeff Weinstein, Editor in Chief -- Hotels, 2/11/2010 8:23:00 AM
"SINGAPORE — Singapore has been missing that "certain something" as a tourist destination. Now, finally, it may have the answer in two integrated casino-resorts-the recently opened US$4.4 billion Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) from Malaysian gaming giant Genting Group and the US$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands (MBS) now slated for a late-April opening.
The Sands project reportedly was nearing default late last year, but Las Vegas Sands Corp. raised US$2.1 billion in a bond sale to complete the project.
The two resorts-with government regulations allotting less than 5% of their space for gaming-reflects an attempt to diversify Singapore's tourism base to compete more effectively with neighboring countries. But whether or not Singapore can compete with Macau or become the Las Vegas of Southeast Asia might depend on how consumers react to the expected imposition of restrictions in the form of a S$2,000 (US$1,440) annual fee or S$100 entry fee, as well as stringent rules for traditional gambling junkets to deter money laundering.
However, the two resorts are expected to contribute about 1% to 2% of Singapore's gross domestic product, help the country achieve visitor arrival goals of 17 million by 2015 (10 million in 2008) and eventually add 35,000 jobs to the economy. The government hopes to boost tourism earning to S$30 billion (US$21.5 billion) by 2015-tripling current figures." ...
for the complete story
DC hotels hit hard by storm
from today's Washington Post (2/11):
In snowstorm, Washington hotels lose revenue but locals fill rooms
By Thomas Heath
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 11, 2010; A22
"The two blizzards over the past week brought huge numbers of hotel cancellations from would-be travelers to the Washington region, reducing occupancy and hotel revenue.
While the effects are hard to quantify so far, a chunk of the losses has been offset by locals who needed a hotel room, whether it was someone who had no electricity at home, a snowplow driver who needed to be near his vehicle or a ballerina performing at the Kennedy Center.
"There has been a definite loss in revenue due to the snowstorms," said Ed Virtue, general manager of the Hotel Monaco in downtown Washington, one of seven District hotels owned by San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants.
Virtue said that while the storm last weekend boosted occupancy, Wednesday's blizzard caused many cancellations by groups who wanted to steer clear of the region." ...
for the complete story
In snowstorm, Washington hotels lose revenue but locals fill rooms
By Thomas Heath
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 11, 2010; A22
"The two blizzards over the past week brought huge numbers of hotel cancellations from would-be travelers to the Washington region, reducing occupancy and hotel revenue.
While the effects are hard to quantify so far, a chunk of the losses has been offset by locals who needed a hotel room, whether it was someone who had no electricity at home, a snowplow driver who needed to be near his vehicle or a ballerina performing at the Kennedy Center.
"There has been a definite loss in revenue due to the snowstorms," said Ed Virtue, general manager of the Hotel Monaco in downtown Washington, one of seven District hotels owned by San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants.
Virtue said that while the storm last weekend boosted occupancy, Wednesday's blizzard caused many cancellations by groups who wanted to steer clear of the region." ...
for the complete story
Calgary national sports museum gets funding
from today's Calgary Sun (2/11):
National sports museum gets federal grant
By BILL KAUFMANN, Calgary Sun
Last Updated: 11th February 2010, 8:51am
"Ottawa’s tossed a $15 million strike to ensure the building in Calgary of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Standing in front of heavy equipment that will almost immediately begin construction of the 40,000 sq.-ft. museum in the northwest corner of Canada Olympic Park, Environment Minister Jim Prentice said facility serve as a powerful symbol for aspiring athletes.
“This will be a very unique venue for sports fans of all ages and it’ll inspire our children to reach their dreams and someday find themselves in the sports hall of fame,” said Prentice.
The federal money matches the $10 million donated by the province and $5 million offered by the city to fund construction of the futuristic, tilted cube-shaped hall that’ll celebrate a wide variety of Canadian sporting achievement.
The highly-interactive centre is to open its doors in June, 2011." ...
for the complete story
National sports museum gets federal grant
By BILL KAUFMANN, Calgary Sun
Last Updated: 11th February 2010, 8:51am
"Ottawa’s tossed a $15 million strike to ensure the building in Calgary of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Standing in front of heavy equipment that will almost immediately begin construction of the 40,000 sq.-ft. museum in the northwest corner of Canada Olympic Park, Environment Minister Jim Prentice said facility serve as a powerful symbol for aspiring athletes.
“This will be a very unique venue for sports fans of all ages and it’ll inspire our children to reach their dreams and someday find themselves in the sports hall of fame,” said Prentice.
The federal money matches the $10 million donated by the province and $5 million offered by the city to fund construction of the futuristic, tilted cube-shaped hall that’ll celebrate a wide variety of Canadian sporting achievement.
The highly-interactive centre is to open its doors in June, 2011." ...
for the complete story
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Squabbles continue over Sacramento arena
from today's Sacramento Bee (2/4):
Natomas group wants new arena at Arco site
Published Thursday, Feb. 04, 2010
by Tony Bizjak
"Why move the arena at all?
That's the question swelling in Natomas amid all the talk about erecting an arena for the Kings in Sacramento's downtown railyard as the catalyst for a new urban center.
For 20 years, Arco Arena has loomed large on the Natomas landscape – bringing in Kings fans, concertgoers and their spending dollars – and Natomas business leaders have no intention of letting that asset go without a fight." ....
for the complete story
Natomas group wants new arena at Arco site
Published Thursday, Feb. 04, 2010
by Tony Bizjak
"Why move the arena at all?
That's the question swelling in Natomas amid all the talk about erecting an arena for the Kings in Sacramento's downtown railyard as the catalyst for a new urban center.
For 20 years, Arco Arena has loomed large on the Natomas landscape – bringing in Kings fans, concertgoers and their spending dollars – and Natomas business leaders have no intention of letting that asset go without a fight." ....
for the complete story
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