February 05, 2012
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Your Travel Franchise News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in travel franchising news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the travel franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Travel Franchise NewsHotel Indigo Santa Barbara Opens in the Heart of Santa Barbara's Vibrant Art SceneHotel Indigo, IHG’s (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] upscale boutique brand, today announces the February opening of the Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara. Hyatt Announces Plans for Three New Hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaHyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into agreements with Naseel Holding Company to manage three new Hyatt-branded hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hyatt Place San Jose/Down Town Celebrates Official OpeningHyatt Hotels & Resorts and Dinapoli Capital Partners today announce the opening of Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown, the first Hyatt Place hotel in San Jose. Motel 6 Network Opens 55 Hotels in 2011Accor North America, one of the nation’s largest owner/operators of economy lodging, announces the opening of 55 hotels in 2011, all under franchise contracts. New-Build Holiday Inn New York City Midtown - 31st St. Opens in the Heart of ManhattanIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] announced today the opening of the new-build Holiday Inn New York City Midtown-31st St. DoubleTree by Hilton Opens Second Mexican Hotel in Historic City of SaltilloDoubleTree by Hilton proudly announces the opening of its second Mexican hotel in the historic city of Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Champions Polo in Brazil with St. Regis Connoisseur Nacho Figueras & Prince HarryStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces today that the St. Regis brand will expand its partnership with Sentebale, by joining the charitable polo match played in Brazil for the first time this March. Starwood Shakes up the Status Quo Introducing 'Round-the-Clock' Check-in for Most Loyal Starwood Preferred Guest MembersWith Your24(TM), a groundbreaking new benefit announced today, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) will abolish set check-in and checkout times for select Starwood Preferred Guest elite members and introduce 'round-the-clock'... Fear of Losing Loyalty-Program Status Looms Larger Than Lost Luggage, Missed Flights73% of travelers would choose loyalty-program benefits over a spouse if they could take just one on the road, according to an eye-opening survey of nearly 10,000 globetrotters released today by Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). Starwood Reinvents Hotel Loyalty Landscape with First-of-Its-Kind Benefits for Global Mega TravelersStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is raising the stakes in the hotel loyalty landscape to win greater share from the world’s most prolific travelers, a powerful and growing group of global mega travelers. Cambria Suites Announces Expansion in Florida to MiamiChoice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) announced the development of a new Cambria Suites hotel in Miami, FL, today at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit. The property will be developed by Miami-based Sunflower Hospitality LLC. Westin Hotels & Resorts Kicks off New Year with Global Roll-out of New Fitness StudiosWestin Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:HOT) announces a complete refresh of the WestinWORKOUT® program to match the evolving fitness trends among guests and further enhance the brand’s goal of promoting well-being in travel. Starwood Hotels Launches Dream Vacation Contest on FacebookStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) wants to know "What Vacation Means to You" so the global hospitality giant has launched a dream vacation contest available exclusively on Facebook. Value Place Franchise Services LLC Expands Franchise Development TeamValue Place, the largest economy extended stay lodging franchise in the United States, announces the addition of two key members to its franchise development team. The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Premieres 'HERE', an Original Short Film Capturing an Unexpected Journey Across AmericaThe Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today premieres an original short film produced by the brand's newest Global Explorer Waris Ahluwalia, offering a glimpse into the hidden... IHG Announces Robert Morse as Americas Chief Operating OfficerIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] today announces that Robert “Bob” Morse has been appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer for the Americas region, succeeding Angela Brav who is now president. Choice Hotels International Celebrates 5,000th choiceADVANTAGE InstallationChoice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, announced today that it has deployed its cloud-based hotel property management system, choiceADVANTAGE, to its 5,000th hotel—the Comfort Hotel De... Dunwoody Hotel Lets Guest Earn Up to Triple Bonus Starpoints with SPG Better by the Night PromotionSheraton Atlanta Perimeter North / Dunwoody Hotel, located at Atlanta Perimeter Center, announces a new special savings package for travelers to enjoy. Hyatt Officially Welcomes Hyatt House to the NeighborhoodHyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the official rebranding of 38 Hyatt Summerfield Suites and 15 Hotel Sierra hotels to HYATT houseTM – a new hotel concept that will redefine the extended-stay segment and help guests feel connected,. Hilton Worldwide Becomes Fastest Growing Major Hotel CompanyHilton Worldwide has become the fastest growing major hotel company, expanding its portfolio by 29 percent since June 2007 and surpassing its competitors in total rate of room growth. Choice Hotels Introduces a Redefined & Redesigned Comfort Brand FamilyKicking off the New Year at this year's annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), Choice Hotels (NYSE: CHH) invites the lodging community to rediscover its flagship brand. Starwood Says Hotel Conversion Opportunities in North America Expected to Rise in 2012 with Uptick in Portfolio TransactionsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that it opened 27 hotels in North America in 2011, more than it had predicted this time last year with the addition of several high quality conversions that were signed and opened.. Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel Invites Guests to Celebrate Valentine's Day with their Special Romance PackageSheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel North, located near Dunwoody, GA, announces a new special savings package. Wyndham Hotel Group Launches New Website to Drive Direct BusinessBusy travelers looking for a quick and easy way to search and book any hotel within the extensive Wyndham Hotel Group portfolio can now do so on www.wyndhamhotelgroup.com, a new website. Starwood Closes 2011 Adding the Most New Hotel Rooms in Its History Plus More New Deals Than since Pre-CrisisFrom the American Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced that building on a year of record growth and deal activity in 2011 it plans to open an additional 80 new hotels... Red Lion Hotels Partners with TravelClick to Create Hyper-Local Web and Mobile PlatformsRed Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) has partnered with TravelClick(R) to create industry leading web and mobile platforms for a dynamic and interactive travel research and booking experience that will forever change how guests interact with the brand. DoubleTree by Hilton Introduces Latest Location in Nation’s Capital With Stunning, Multi-Million-Dollar Hotel TransformationDoubleTree by Hilton has announced the addition of its tenth hotel location in Washington DC-Baltimore area. Lightstone Group and Sage Hospitality Sign Development Deal for New DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Location in Greater BostonSage Hospitality and The Lightstone Group are pleased to announce the signing of a franchise license agreement with Hilton Worldwide for a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel location in Danvers, Mass. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Continues Remarkable Global Growth with the Debut of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & ResidencesStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces the opening of the highly anticipated St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences, as St. Regis nearly triples its global portfolio in just five years. IHG announces opening of Crowne Plaza SemarangIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announced today that the new 270-room Crowne Plaza Semarang will open its doors on 22 January 2012. Owned by the Golden Flower Group, the hotel will be managed by IHG. Hyatt Hotels Corporation Announces Timing of Fourth Quarter 2011 Earnings Release and Investor Conference CallHyatt Hotels Corporation (“Hyatt”) (NYSE: H) announced today that it will release fourth quarter and full year 2011 financial results on Thursday, February 16, 2012, before the stock market opens, followed by an investor conference call at... Top 10 2012 Los Cabos Travel TrendsThe strengthening economy and consumer confidence have experts predicting travel increases in 2012. Westin Hotels to Make Debut in Cleveland, OhioStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced plans to introduce its popular Westin brand to Cleveland, Ohio. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Checks-in to StamfordStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has relocated its global headquarters from White Plains, NY to Stamford, bringing more than 800 jobs to Connecticut. Wyndham Worldwide's CFO Tom Conforti to Participate in a Panel at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2012 Gaming Conference January 20, 2012Tom Conforti, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), will participate in a panel discussion at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2012 Gaming Conference on Friday, January 20, 2012 in Las Vegas.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts scoop five awards at World Travel AwardsInterContinental Hotels & Resorts took home five awards at 2011 World Travel Awards in Doha, Qatar, including World’s Leading Hotel Brand for the third consecutive year. Starwood Hotels Aggressively Expanding Its Footprint in IndiaOutpacing the competition in India, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it will open nearly 20 additional hotels in this fast-growing market by 2015. Hyatt Introduces Hyatt HouseTM in India with Agreement for Hotel in MumbaiHyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the introduction of its new Hyatt House extended-stay brand in India, with the signing of a management agreement by a Hyatt affiliate for a hotel in Mumbai. Wyndham Worldwide to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today announced that it will report fourth quarter and full year 2011 results on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa OpensHyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa in the eastern coastal city of Ningbo. Wyndham Hotel Group Selects Maxymiser to Boost Sales and Conversion RatesWyndham Hotel Group, LLC, the world's largest hotel company based on number of hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), has teamed up with Maxymiser. RB Capital to build Kuala Lumpur’s first Holiday Inn ExpressInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with RB Capital to manage Kuala Lumpur’s first Holiday Inn Express, which will be built along Bukit Bintang by Amsterling Hotels Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of RB Capital. Starwood Announces New Sheraton Hotel in Northeast BrazilSheraton® Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of the Sheraton Reserva do Paiva Hotel and Convention Center, a new project in Pernambuco state in the northeast region of Brazil. Embassy Suites West Palm Beach-Central Opens DoorsEmbassy Suites Hotels today announced the opening of Embassy Suites West Palm Beach-Central, the brand’s nineteenth hotel in the state of Florida. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Announces Fourth Quarter 2011 Earnings Release DateStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that it will release the company’s fourth quarter financial results prior to market open on Thursday, February 2, 2012. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Takes Luxury to New Heights with the Debut of the 100-Story St. Regis ShenzhenSt. Regis(R) Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT), announces today the highly anticipated opening of The St. Regis Shenzhen, now the world’s tallest St. Regis hotel and the tallest building in the... Choice Hotels International Announces New Board Director John TagueChoice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today announced the appointment of John Tague, CEO for Greatwide Logistics Services of Dallas, to its Board of Directors. Wyndham Worldwide to Present at the 14th Annual ICR XChange Conference January 11, 2012Tom Conforti, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), will present at the 14th Annual ICR XChange Conference on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 in Miami, Florida. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Tempe University Opens Following $1.5 Million ConversionIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] announces the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Tempe University, which recently underwent a conversion from a Comfort Inn. |
Features & Special ReportsCreating a Cost-Effective Lead Generation StrategyFor many franchisors, the traditional advertising vehicles - portals, print advertising, PR, and broker networks - do not appear to be working as effectively as they were five years ago. New Highlights from the 2012 AFDRIn the previous two issues of FUSR, we published (1) a high-level overview of the 2012 Annual Franchise Development Report (AFDR), followed by (2) a selection of highlights from the report. Finding Your Optimal Buyer: Sellers Must Learn To Look Beyond PriceWhen sellers are contemplating a decision regarding the sale of their business, they overwhelmingly select the bidder with the highest price, only to find afterward that this might not have been the best decision for their circumstances. The Four Steps to Lead Generation Success, Part 4: Wow 'Em!This fourth installment builds on those ideas, showing how you can "wow" your candidates and the importance of how you present your concept to them. The Winner's Column - February 2012As savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in a volatile economy, FUSR continues to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, innovating, and continuing to grow, whether domestically or overseas. Jim Collins to Keynote 2012 Multi-Unit Franchising ConferenceMulti-Unit Franchisee Magazine announced today that Jim Collins, business expert and best-selling author, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2012 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC). Growing Up Franchising: Sam Covelli Develops Both His Brands And EmployeesSam Covelli says he grew up in the restaurant business working in his father's McDonald's. Under his father's leadership, Covelli Enterprises eventually grew to 26 locations, one of the largest McDonald's franchisees in the country. Members Only: Ray Harrigill Builds A Successful Membership-Based Business ModelRay Harrigill believes in diversification. His Sunray Companies has restaurants (Bumpers Drive-In), tanning salons (Palm Beach Tan), fitness centers (Koko FitClub), and hotel properties (Hampton Inn), to name a few. That's because of lessons he's learned along the way. Creating Jobs: Zane Tankel Is Taking Matters Into His Own HandsZane Tankel is not waiting on any government job programs to help his business. CMO Roundtable - Using Profiling to Retain More CustomersWhat are some fresh, innovative ways you are using profiling, targeting,<br /> and loyalty programs to acquire and retain more customers? 
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