We have written many articles about all aspects of hospitality including hotel investments, operations, asset management, communication, sales and marketing, branded residence sales, parking revenue and so forth. We invite you to read through these articles, with our compliments.
These are our most recent articles.
Abstract: "Although February's earthquake will have had a severe impact on the value of many hospitality properties in Christchurch, the huge international coverage which followed the quake could eventually help drive visitors back to the city, according to Mr. Alex Sogno who has worked with hotels in many of the world's disaster zones"
Abstract: "Mounting fears that the credit crisis is beginning to spread out through the financial system have rocked shares and companies recently. While the governments are battling to restore confidence, the hotel industry is already experiencing collateral damage. Hotel investors are affected by the repercussion of the credit crunch, which is making banks less willing to lend money, and 2008-09 hotel performances are likely to be affected."
Abstract: "Ukraine will host the European Championships together with Poland in 2012. How much needs to be done to facilitate this tournament in four years time? On one hand, the leadership is enthusiastic about foreign investments and the opportunities it brings whilst on the other hand they are hanging on to a lot more red-tape than necessary as this has been practice for decades. This month article focuses on the former Soviet Republics that are now known as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)"
Abstract: "Over the years there have been many different types of lodgings that have entered the hospitality industry bringing with them new innovative concepts in guest services. The new trend is not only in providing a ‘simple service' but more to exceed guest expectations by adding attention to detail and care to the product being delivered. The delivery of services in the hospitality industry involves one very important component in particular, which is the people and the interactions between guests and hotel staff. The overall experience for any guest will either be a success or a failure and is often due to the cumulative impact of the services they have received by the staff in any given property."
Abstract: "Since the subprime-mortgage fiasco unfolded last summer, the US economy has been under tremendous pressure. From the weakening of the US Dollar to the emergency sale of Bear Stearns, the 2001 Enron scandal now seems to be a blip in comparison. Today, the US economy is either in recession or near one. While the Federal Reserve is battling to restore confidence, the hotel industry is already experiencing collateral damage. Hotel investors are experiencing the repercussion of the credit crunch, which is making banks less willing to lend money and spending has slowed. What is the impact of the current state of the economy on the US hotel industry and what are the opportunities for foreign investors? Can we benefit from these troublesome periods?"
Abstract: "In the Middle East, parking problems are reaching breaking point and city authorities are now considering some drastic changes. Governmental studies are looking at the prospect of reducing the maximum parking time from 2 hours to 1 hour in some of the busiest areas in order to avoid double-parking and to make parking spaces available for the maximum number of drivers. A lot of the offices, malls and hotels used to offer free underground parking to visitors but they are slowly introducing paid parking meters, much to the dissatisfaction of residents. Parking is often not a consideration for hotel operators; however, asset managers and owners should encourage them to capitalize on this unrealized income. With the recent construction regulations, city hotels, airport hotels and resorts have the potential to generate additional revenue with their large parking space."
Abstract: "The Middle East is experiencing an unprecedented increase of hotel mixed use development. The residential sales are often used as financial leverage for the feasibility of the project, especially for capital intensive properties such as boutique and luxury hotels. The developers of these properties are either large corporations with existing hotel portfolio or entrepreneurs who seek the opportunity to own a hotel and capitalize on the hotel brands. Some of these entrepreneurs are new to the hotel sector and often need support in implementing processes for the residential sale component. Specific procedures and guidelines to execute these sales are normally provided by the large operators. However, recent developments led the management companies to believe that additional assistance for this new hotel entrepreneur may be required, in particular when the branded residences are becoming more competitive and sophisticated to sale. These developer/owners may need extra guidance from Asset Management companies to maximize planning surrounding sale and control the sale period."
Abstract: "In any industry, communication has always played a key role in the success of the company. Effective and balanced communication has enabled a better understanding of each party's objectives and views. This results in streamlined actions and developments leading to success and profit. The asset manager's main role is to help bridge that sometimes vast gap between the interests of the hotel owners and management companies. We have recently noted that management companies have increased their transparency as hotel owners have demanded a clearer understanding of how the operators' businesses are going. With everyone looking to cut costs and gain a greater return on their investments, the role of the asset manager is more valuable than ever."
Abstract:"Building an effective relationship with the management company and the owner is essential to maximise the value of the hotel. The first step is to align the objectives of both parties and measure performance. Fortunately, both parties want the hotel to maximise the return on investment. However deciding whether revenue and expense levels are reasonable and achievable can be a difficult task as various factors affect a hotel's ability to generate revenue and manage expenses. Asset managers should encourage operators to plan beyond the yearly budget and identify opportunities for generating incremental revenues. The following provides suggestions on how to create incremental revenue and how to protect cost, therefore enhancing long-term real estate value."
Abstract: "The past few years, the Middle East has experience an unprecedented level of hotel activities with an abundant creation of very successful hotel owning companies. The rapid proliferation of lodging products provided a final spur to the development of the hotel asset management function. The increased complexity of the lodging industry's structure in different countries, with its gamut of products ranging from budget through mid-scale to boutique and luxury properties, requires a perspective that asset management, unlike traditional operators, can and do provide. Although asset management is fairly new concept in the Middle East, it has proven to be very successful in this fast growing environment and has allowed to better align the interest of ownership and operator."
