U.S. Hotel P&L Turned Positive In July

BROOMFIELD, Colorado - U.S. hotel gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) reached positive territory for the first time since February, according to STR's latest monthly P&L data release.

In a year-over-year comparison with July 2019, the industry reported the following:

GOPPAR: -93.3% to US$5.74

TRevPAR: -74.1% to US$60.04

EBITDA PAR: -115.1% to US$-9.24

LPAR (Labor Costs): -64.8% to US$28.46

The industry had registered negative GOPPAR values for four consecutive months: March (US$-2.10), April (US-$17.98), May (US$-10.26) and June (US$-5.89).

The industry had registered negative GOPPAR values for four consecutive months: March (US$-2.10), April (US-$17.98), May (US$-10.26) and June (US$-5.89).

"As the industry inched closer to 50% occupancy, we saw continued incremental improvement in the subsequent profitability metrics," said Raquel Ortiz, STR's assistant director of financial performance. "We are of course nowhere near pre-pandemic levels, but there were additional encouraging signs in positive GOPPAR for full-service hotels and six major markets."

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Atlantis, The Palm to showcase the world's largest canvas

Five-star Dubai resort Atlantis, The Palm will showcase the world’s largest art canvas in November this year. Created by famous artist Sacha Jafri, the canvas is hoped to raise in excess of AED110 million (US$30 million) for charity.

Dubbed as the ‘Modern-day Sistine Chapel’, the canvas covers the Atlantis ballroom floor, coming in at just under 2,000 sqm or around the size of two football pitches. Jafri has spent 24 weeks on the painting, with plans to finish the piece on September 10.

With the support of The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), together with The Global Gift Foundation, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai Cares, and the UAE Government, the canvas is the flagship piece in the artist’s ‘Humanity Inspired’ charity drive.

Money raised from the sale of the artwork will go towards installing internet connectivity in some of the world’s poorest regions, enabling those in need to learn about medicine, healthcare, vaccines and sanitation.

Sandpiper Lodging Trust Has Acquired Two Candle wood Suites Hotels Located in South Carolina

Sandpiper Lodging Trust announced the acquisition of two Candlewood Suites Hotels located in North Charleston and Bluffton, South Carolina from DC Hospitality. Both properties are mid-scale extended stay hotels located in two dynamic hospitality markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Carter Rise, CEO of SLT, stated, “We are extremely excited to add these two hotels to the Sandpiper Lodging Trust portfolio. We have targeted the Charleston and coastal South Carolina market as an area with exciting long-term demographic advantages, and we are pleased to be able to acquire two quality assets in these markets.”

“Adding the Candlewoods Suites flag to our portfolio is consistent with our strategy to focus on mid-scale and upper-end economy extended stay assets as we grow SLT. Our core extended-stay portfolio has weathered the pandemic reasonably well, and we are grateful to our lenders and equity partners for their confidence in us as we continue to grow our footprint. We expect to continue to opportunistically grow our portfolio over the balance of the year and into 2021.”

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Rixos Water World Aktau Hotel opens in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has welcomed the opening of a new all-inclusive luxury resort, Rixos Water World Aktau Hotel.

With 500-rooms, the property sits on its own 420-meter-long beach, offering some 500 square metres of promenade pier and a sunbathing area.

For discerning travelers, there are a total of 23 suites and 15 luxury villas.

Now fully operational, the property will employ 750 people, with training taking place at the Mangistau College of Tourism.

In addition, some of the hotel staff will be trained in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

It also becomes the fifth Rixos hotel in Kazakhstan – with the company also offering accommodation in capital Nur-Sultan as well as Almaty, Shymkent and the Burabay resort zone.

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$500m Saudi giga-project still on track for 2024 opening

Hospitality and property management firm Al Khozama Company has announced it’s the District Al Faisaliah development project has now entered its second phase of construction.

Estimated to cost SAR2 billion ($US533 million), District is expected to open in 2024. One of the Kingdom’s many new ‘giga-projects’, the development incorporates Al Faisaliah Tower, Al Khairiah Towers, Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites, Hotel Al Khozama and the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall in the Olaya District.

The first of the project was announced three years ago, where the Mode Al Faisaliah Mall was extended by 20 percent for a luxury retail space of 35,000 metres squared. The first phase also saw the introduction of restaurant brands such as Yauatcha, Meraki, Mamo Michelangelo, La Petite Maison and La Brasserie to the area. Now in the second phase, the District will work to integrate all of its retail, commercial, entertainment, hospitality, wellness and residential spaces. The popular Al Faisaliah Hotel is currently being renovated as part of the project’s development. Completion of the facelift is expected next year.

Another plan for the development’s second phase is the replacement of Hotel Al Khozama. One of the Kingdom’s oldest hotels – more than forty years old – the property will be replaced with a new hotel by 2024. The new property will boast 200 keys, two restaurants, MICE facilities, a spa and gym and a pool deck.

HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, chairman Al Khozama said: “The strategy followed by Al Khozama Company is aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision in creating new benchmarks and opportunities for excellence, and contributing to the country’s long-term success. The District is one such example.”

Mr. Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, chief executive officer of Al Khozama Company added: “Under the leadership and direction of our chairman, we are proud to achieve significant success in hospitality, retail centres and F&B to create an unrivalled lifestyle and unique experience for the Saudi community and its guests.”

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA brings five-star hotel to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA has opened its first Grand Millennium-brand property in the Kingdom, located in the city of Tabuk.

Designed for both business and leisure guests, Grand Millennium Taruk is located close to the Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport. Inside, the hotel features 218 keys spread across rooms, suites, and a large royal suite.

“Grand Millennium Tabuk represents the first Grand Millennium in Saudi Arabia and unfolds a story of the bygone era. The hotel is reminiscent of the vintage Hejaz Railway and the intricate design speaks volumes of stories reminding of the nostalgic Hejaz Railway,” said Kevork Deldelian, chief executive officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Africa.

Hejaz Railway provided an immensely important route for travel and trade between Damascus and Al Madina. Each room of the hotel has been designed to celebrate the history of this railway station, with photographs and art of the station found throughout the property.

The hotel outlets include Al Maksoura (The cabin) all-day dining restaurant, Juzurna Arabesque restaurant, Al Multaqa (The gathering place) Lobby Café and Al Manzar Pool Lounge in addition to a ballroom for weddings and events with a total space of 1082 sq m and capacity up to 800 people, five meeting rooms with a total meeting space of 283 sq m. The hotel also includes a recreation area with outdoor and indoor swimming pools for adults and kids, gym and spa facilities for ladies and gents, two tennis courts, multipurpose court and kids’ play area.

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Robert Megargle Appointed General Manager At Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero - CA, USA

Robert Megargle was most recently the Hotel Manager at the original Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco on Market Street, and in 2016 was the first hotel professional to be named to San Francisco Business Times' "40 Under 40" in recognition of his leadership. Prior to his arrival in the city in 2014, his tenure includes positions in Maui, New York and his home city of Detroit.

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Annabell Javinez Appointed General Manager At Quest Perth Ascot, Australia

Quest Apartment Hotels has today announced the appointment of Annabell Javinez as General Manager of Quest Perth Ascot, set to open next month.

With more than ten years' experience working for Quest, Annabell hails from Quest South Perth Foreshore where she spent eighteen months as Property Manager. Prior to this, the hospitality professional devoted just short of nine years at Quest Townsville, where she worked her way from front office staff to property manager.

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Revealed: Accor and IHG considered merger

French hospitality company Accor considered a possible merger with the UK’s InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – which would have created the world’s largest hospitality company.

French newspaper Le Figaro reported the news, which was then reported by Bloomberg.

it said that Accor Chief Executive Officer Sebastien Bazin created a team in June that included Chief Financial Officer Jean-Jacques Morin and bankers from Centerview and Rothschild, to look into a possible deal.

Accor’s board was in favour of the idea, but Bazin put the project on hold as he thought it wasn’t the right time.

According to Reuters, an Accor-IHG merger would create a US$17 billion super-firm of more than 11,000 hotels. A merger would also put the two firms ahead of rival Marriott in terms of rooms, with more than 1.6 million between them.

A merger would bring together IHG brands such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza with Accor’s Raffles, Sofitel and Ibis. It would also save on HQ expenses and loyalty programs, said Le Figaro.

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Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC to reopen next week

Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC will reopen its doors to guests on Monday following a temporary closure due to Covid-19 related restrictions.

To ensure compliance with local regulations the hotel is operating with reduced facilities in dining and spa as well as at the fitness center.

Located along the capital’s revitalized Southwest Waterfront, the property offers five-star luxury with refreshed guest rooms in a picturesque setting and sweeping vistas of the waterfront or courtyard gardens.

It is conveniently located a short walk from the nation’s most prominent monuments and attractions in the District Wharf neighborhood.

For guests seeking a peaceful respite, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC is also available to provide renowned treatments and programs with updated Covid-19 safety and hygiene measures in place

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Gordon Ramsay wants to open a restaurant in India, and location might be Kerala

Before Covid-19 brought the world to a standstill, Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay was in Coorg, shooting for the second season of National Geographic’s “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted". He cooked famous pandi curry for local women in Coorg. He also shot portions of the show in Kerala, which spurred him further to think about opening a restaurant in "God's Own Country".

In an interview with IANS, Ramsay said: “There are very few countries in the world that have such unique diverse flavors from north to south and then east to west. Every state, every region in India has its own specialty in food. I have been coming to India for so many years, and every time I explore something new. It’s the love of local people that compels me to visit the country again and again. I really want to open my restaurant for the Indian people in India."

Speaking about South Indian cuisine, he said, “The south is all about spices and it felt amazing to smell the fragrances of those masalas. It was an incredible experience visiting India this time. I shot with local female cooks. Trust me, they are far, far better than me. In fact, I was surprised to see how they were not sweating while cooking in such hot climate."

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40% restaurants may not reopen at all in India: Zomato

New Delhi: While the online food delivery space is somewhat returning to normal, the dining out industry in India has been hit hard and is operating at only 8-10 percent of the pre-COVID levels, a new Zomato report revealed on Wednesday.

Out of the 83 percent of restaurants that are not open for business, 10 percent have already shut down permanently.

“We anticipate an additional 30 percent of restaurants to not reopen at all. Remaining 43 percent are closed right now but are likely to open as the situation becomes better,” said the ‘Indian Restaurant Industry – Mid COVID-19 Report’ released by the online food delivery platform.

The slump in the dining out industry is largely driven by markets being in lockdown, consumers not stepping out due to fear of transmission and restaurants not opening up, even if the city is not in lockdown

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Emirates offers summer packages in Seychelles

Emirates is offering UAE nationals and residents a chance to plan a quick escape this summer to Seychelles and unwind at some of the world's most pristine, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. The airline was the first international airline to return to the island country, coinciding with its re-opening to tourists on August 1.

Covid-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents, and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.

Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED3,705 ($1,008), Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED10,915, and First Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED22,045. The offer is valid for bookings made starting today until 7 September 2020, for travel until 31 May 2021.

Visitors to Seychelles will be captivated by its stunning white-sand beaches and lush, tropical forests. Go on an adventurous hike, relax in five-star hotel resorts, or enjoy exploring the island's diverse marine life. To visit the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination, UAE travelers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test, conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. For more information on travel entry requirements to Seychelles

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Google introduces search feature showing hotels currently open

Google has added new content to its travel search results feature, taking into consideration the vast number of hotel closures across the globe.

In the UAE alone, as of June 2020, 16 percent of the country’s hotels tracked by Cavendish Maxwell had either closed or operated at minimum capacity. On a room basis, 27 percent had closed in Dubai vs eight percent in Abu Dhabi.

In the coming days, Google will show the percentage of open hotels, as well as availability and percentage of flights operating at a city or country.

Data will come from Google Flights and Hotels data from the previous week.

Links to additional resources such as travel advisories and the number of COVID-19 cases in that destination are also provided.

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Langham Hospitality Group names new COO

The managing director at The Langham London has been ushered into the newly-created role of chief operating officer at Langham Hospitality Group.

In his new role, Bob van den Oord reports directly to CEO Stefan Leser and work out of the company’s corporate office in Hong Kong.

As COO, van den Oord will oversee the group’s cohort of regional vice presidents, hotel managing directors and general managers across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He will be expected to steer the group’s F&B, spa, rooms and quality divisions.

A veteran of the industry, van den Oord brings more than 20 years of experience to the table, first working with Langham in 1999 at The Langham Boston. He has been managing director at the flagship London hotel since 2015, during which time revenues shot up and F&B concepts were introduced.

“I am honored to lead as COO for Langham Hospitality Group as it has been an important part of my life for more than 20 years,” said van den Oord. “As we look toward long-term recovery, future growth and opportunity for our group and industry during these challenging times, I feel incredibly fortunate to work with outstanding colleagues who are dedicated and passionate in their service delivery and care for our guests and each other.”

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Johnson appointed president of Borgata Hotel Casino

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has announced the appointment of Melonie Johnson to the roles of president and chief operating officer.

Having entered into the role during Atlantic City’s Covid-19-mandated shutdown, Johnson worked closely with local officials to safely reopen the property in July.

She will continue to oversee daily operations and strategic direction at the property in her new role, and is the first black female to be named president of an Atlantic City casino.

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Zleep Hotel Glostrup Announced for Denmark

Deutsche Hospitality announced the addition of another hotel of its Zleep Hotels brand in Denmarkwith a scheduled opening for fall 2021. The Zleep Hotel Glostrup will be a new building west of Copenhagen. The developer of the project is the Oskar Group. In addition to 133 rooms, the hotel will include a spacious lounge and breakfast area, a bar and ample parking for cars and bicycles. It also offers free WiFi, sustainable breakfast, and excellent transport connections.

The Zleep Hotel Glostrup is the fourth house of the brand in the western part of the Danish capital next to the Zleep Hotel Ballerup, the Zleep Hotel Prindsen Roskilde and the Zleep Hotel Ishøj. Robert Boller, Managing Director of Zleep Hotel GmbH and also responsible for the growth of the MAXX by Steigenberger brand, explains: "The location in Glostrup fits perfectly into our growth strategy. With its convenient location, the hotel offers travellers an ideal location. We look forward to opening the Zleep Hotel Glostrup in autumn 2021".

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Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats to Open Q1 2023 in India

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management agreement with Riteway and Medha Projects to bring a Holiday Inn Resort to the state of Karnataka. Offering 126 rooms, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats is expected to open its doors to guests in Q1 2023.

Underscoring industry confidence despite challenging times, this is the second signing announced by IHG in India in last three months.

Located on the Western Ghats mountain range, in the state of Karnataka, Sakleshpur is in close proximity to Bengaluru and is a great destination for leisure travellers looking to spend quality time amidst nature or explore various historic monuments and sites the city has to offer.

Located 6 kilometres from the main Bengaluru and Mangalore highway, on opening, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will offer varied dining options to guests with four F&B outlets, including an All-Day Dining, a bar, a speciality restaurant and a lobby lounge. The hotel will also feature 518 sqm of meetings space across three venues, including a 359 sqm ballroom well suited for various MICE events. The resort will feature a pool, a fitness centre and a spa for guests to relax and rejuvenate. For travellers driving down from the nearby cities, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will feature ample parking space. Additionally, positioned as a complete destination on its own, the resort will house a retail outlet, an indoor recreation centre and an outdoor recreation facility making it a perfect destination for vacationers or guests on corporate retreats.

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Chicago's Old Cook County Hospital Transformed Into Dual Branded Hyatt Hotel

Historic rehabilitation of the 104-year-old Cook County Hospital building, converting the building into a dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel, accompanied by the new Dr. Murphy's Food Hall. The transformative project is the first phase and anchor for Harrison Square, a new micro-neighborhood that will add residential, office, retail and hotel space in the area immediately surrounding the former hospital within the Illinois Medical District. The project was directed by the Civic Health Development Group, a joint venture led by Chicago-based Murphy Development Group along with MB Real Estate, Walsh Investors and The Granite Cos. Inc.

The 345,000-square-foot old Cook County Hospital was decommissioned in 2002 and remained vacant for more than 15 years, disquieting preservationists, historians, and other concerned citizens that the magnificent Beaux-Arts building was at risk of demolition. Those fears were relieved when it was officially announced in 2018 that the prominent medical institution would be given life once more.

The development converted the former hospital and medical college into a 210-room dual-branded Hyatt House and Hyatt Place hotel. The project also delivers medical office and retail spaces and the 10,000-square-foot Dr. Murphy's Food Hall, named in honor of the renowned surgeon, Dr. John Benjamin Murphy, who studied, practiced, and taught within Cook County Hospital and the Illinois Medical District.

Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the project to incorporate features highlighting the building's long history as one of the world's top teaching hospitals and significant place in the history of Chicago as its first public hospital. The building also includes a museum that chronicles the hospital's noteworthy contributions to the region and to the medical field.

"The old Cook County Hospital is rich in history, having served our community and nation for over a century, while at the same time being a fountain of medical research, innovation, and advancements," said Dan Walsh, co-chairman of Walsh Construction. "The Walsh Group is proud to have played a leading role in saving and transforming this unique historic structure, and delivering a reborn building that welcomes visitors and economic revival to the Near West Side of Chicago for another 100 years."

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UGC cautions against distance, online education in 12 domains, PhD courses

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned against admission to a dozen higher educational courses, including engineering, hotel management, and architecture, as they cannot be availed fully online, or open and distance learning (ODL) modes.

Along with the 12 streams, MPhil or Ph.D. degrees also cannot be offered through online and open and distance learning (ODL) modes. This is primarily because such courses need a sizeable amount of practice beyond classroom teaching which is not always possible via ODL or online.

The notification comes as online education gains traction, with most campuses, shut given the coronavirus pandemic. The UGC's caution is against admission to courses like "engineering, medicine, law, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy, agriculture, hotel management, culinary studies, valuation of real estate, any other program not permitted …by any statutory council or regulatory bodies." "Apart from the above, MPhil and Ph.D. programs in all disciplines through ODL, and online mode, are also prohibited," the regulator said.

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