Hotels & Resorts
Driving Canadian Hotel Investment
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has released a new report that examines the current investment climate, identifies the challenges undermining profitability and provides practical recommendations to address the public policy issues which impede growth and deter investment. According to TIAC president and CEO, David Goldstein: "The global competition for capital investment is fierce. Simply put, capital is not patriotic; it is mobile and seeks out the most profitable returns. If we don't act investment opportunities in the Canadian hotel sector will be passed-over for...
A Unique Appointment
Joanne Fillion has been re-appointed as Unique Vacations Canada's business development manager, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northern Ontario. Maureen Barnes-Smith, director of sales and marketing for Unique Vacations Canada announced Fillion's reappointment, which takes effect immediately. She's a familiar face to travel agents, having previously served in the position between 2007 and 2013 and now rejoins the Canadian sales team for Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. Barnes-Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Joanne back to the Sandals and...
Sheraton Centre Welcomes The World For PRIDE
Toronto is gearing up to host World Pride from June 20 to June 29, 2014 and the Sheraton Centre is preparing to roll out the “rainbow carpet” to show pride and welcome the event to the city. During World Pride, Toronto will come alive with parades, concerts, street festivals and community events across the city. The Sheraton Centre Toronto is set to welcome visitors from around the world to celebrate the LGBT community and is located just minutes from Church Street, the heart of Pride activities over the 10 days. David Connor, area managing director for Starwood Hotels &...
Coconut Bay Resort Flying High
Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa reported a record-breaking winter, with occupancies topping 92%, increased ADRs and in March revenues exceeded $2 million for the first time in a given month. The resort’s management expects this growth to continue through the 2014 off-season based on advanced bookings. Renovation and refreshment have been key buzzwords at Coconut Bay and the results are clear, with the entire resort having been redone over the last three years. From the front of the house to the back, restaurants to rooms, the resort has added two room...
Hilton Eyes Myanmar Expansion
Hilton Worldwide has signed management agreements with Eden Group Company Limited for five Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Myanmar. The partnership with Eden Group represents another significant milestone for Hilton Worldwide’s expansion in Myanmar, following the company’s earlier announcement in 2013 as the first western hotel group to have signed an agreement to operate a hotel in the country. Under the agreement with Eden Group, two of the Group’s recently opened properties in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, and on Ngapali beach in Rakhine State will be rebranded as...
Hotel Franchising Set to Grow Across Europe
Europe is likely to see a greater proportion of branded hotels coming on stream as the concept of franchising gathers pace amongst hotel operators in the region. Until now, the uptake of franchise agreements in Europe has been relatively slow. However, according to a new report from global hotel consultancy HVS, an increasing recognition of the strength of a hotel brand and brand affiliation has prompted the concept to expand. The fact around two-thirds of European hotel stock remains unbranded presents a huge opportunity for branded operators keen to expand. The HVS report,...
Sandals’ Chairman Gets ICN Leadership Award
Gordon “Butch” Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts International, was recently honoured with the 2014 Invest Caribbean Now Leadership Award at the Harvard Club in New York City. Invest Caribbean Now (ICN), the largest global summit on the Caribbean outside the region, honoured Stewart for his investment, commitment and dedication to the Caribbean. Past ICN honorees include Sir Richard Branson and Royal Caribbean Cruises International. “It is an honour to be considered a leader among those serving and succeeding in the Caribbean,” said Stewart. “My work here, the companies...
Sandals Hosting Three Fall ‘Mega Fams’
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are inviting Canadian agents to participate in one of three Mega Fams to Grenada, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and Antigua this fall. The three private charters will depart from Toronto and Montreal. Continuing to invest in travel agent education, attendees will not only enjoy the service and hospitality offered at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, but will also complete a Sandals Marketing Forum on the company’s newest additions including Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa and Sandals Barbados. Agents can choose from two different...