Reflecting the circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, STR's preliminary data for Sydney, Australia, shows significantly lower hotel performance across the three key performance metrics. Comparison with March 2019:
With social distancing rules in place, and restrictions on eating out to stop the spread of COVID-19, food retailers have been forced to reinvent their business models to maintain cash flow.
STR's preliminary data for Melbourne, Australia, shows lower hotel performance levels in February 2020 and the first week of March. February preliminary data:
The National Bushfire Recovery Agency can not guarantee the funds set aside by the government to aid in the bushfire restoration will not also be used for the coronavirus response.
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac CEO, Trent Fraser, has encouraged the company's franchisee members to treat online travel agents as "frenemies" and to encourage guests to book future stays directly in an effort to minimise commission bills.
Deciding when is best to take on a refurbishment project can often pose a headache for hotel owners and operators. Major works tend to have big payoffs in the long-term, but inconveniencing guests in the short-term is almost inevitable, regardless of the timing.
After a carefully orchestrated four-month refurbishment program, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs has unveiled a stunning transformation of its guest rooms and suites, welcoming guests to contemporary, comfortable accommodations.
Accor announces the continued expansion of its luxury portfolio in Australia, with the debut of the vibrant and playful SO/Hotels & Resorts luxury brand in Melbourne, Australia. Slated to open in 2023, SO/Melbourne is set to be a bold, fashionable and luxurious designer hotel, located in a prime CBD position overlooking Flagstaff Gardens.
Mantra Chatswood Sydney has received a multi-million dollar refurbishment, which has transformed the hotel into a contemporary urban oasis with scores of sophistication.
The Langham, Sydney has announced the appointment of Stephen Lech as the new Executive Chef. In this role, Stephen will lead the culinary programme for all aspects of the hotel from banquet events and weddings, the hotel's cocktail venue; Observatory Bar and the recently opened luxury buffet, interactive dining restaurant; Kitchens on Kent.
For the past five years Haigh was Global Communications Director for Pernod Ricard's Winemaking division and their portfolio of champagnes, spirits and wines in Australia and New Zealand.
STR's preliminary January 2020 data for hotels in Sydney, Australia, indicates lower performance. Based on daily data from the month, Sydney reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Bernanda Karo-Karo has been named Senior Regional and Area Director of Finance for Indonesia and Asia - promoted from Regional Director of Finance for Indonesia. He is instrumental in the Group's Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand expansion.
An Egyptian national, Mohamed began his career with global brands such as Sonesta Hotel & Nile Cruises, Swissotel Sharm El Sheikh, and Concorde Hotels & Resorts with a focus on front of house. Speaking fluent Arabic, French and English, he came to the UAE in 2009 to take the position of Front Office Manager at the Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Fujairah. In 2014 he was appointed as the Rooms Division Manager at Gloria Hotels where he quickly progressed to Director of Rooms. In 2016 he took the role of Director of Operations at the new Telal Resort, Al Ain by Muruoj Gloria before moving to the Western Hotel in Abu Dhabi as the Hotel Resident Manager. Prior to joining La Vie Hotels & Resorts, Mohamed was the General Manager of Royal Central Hotel The Palm.
With the Sunshine Coast earmarked as one of Australia's major growth hotspots, and the region braces for the population to climb from 350,000 to 500,000 by 2031, Accor are wasting no time jostling for prime position. Accor, together with hotel owners, Stay Centro GC, announce the Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Waters has been rebranded to Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters, under a franchise agreement.
Preliminary hotel performance data for December 2019 shows Sydney Drive Regional, a submarket within a two-hour-drive radius of Greater Sydney, has been greatly affected by continued bushfires in Australia, according to STR.
STR's preliminary December 2019 data for hotels in Melbourne, Australia, indicates higher performance led by demand.
Hilton Surfers Paradise has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Max Houri to the pivotal role of Commercial Director.
A new-build Holiday Inn will open in the trendy inner-Melbourne suburb of Richmond in 2023, following the signing of a long-term management agreement between IHG® and a joint venture between Pelligra Group, PrimeLand Group and Diamond Hospitality Singapore..
STR's preliminary November 2019 data for hotels in Sydney, Australia, indicates lower performance. Based on daily data from the month, Sydney reported the following in year-over-year comparisons: