September 05, 2010
Topics:Industries:
|
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 NewsThe Fans Have Spoken:"Project: Aloft Star" Reveals Three Finalists in Aloft Hotels' Franchise Online Talent CompetitionRemember the names Adrian Bourgeois, The Jen Lowe Band and Jake Smith. W Hotels Worldwide Franchise Brings Style to Wall Street with the Opening of W New York - Downtown Hotel & ResidencesW Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today announced the unveiling of W New York – Downtown and The Residences at W New York – Downtown, bringing a surge of energy to lower Manhattan. Located in New York City's Starwood Hotels & Resorts Launches Its First Application for BlackBerry SmartphonesStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and its award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program announce the launch of the SPG Appfor BlackBerry(R) smartphones. To celebrate the launch, SPG will give away 100,000 Starpoints(R) to two l Wyndham Worldwide Franchise Partners With Samsung To Bring Hdtv Experience To PropertiesWyndham Worldwide (NYSE:WYN), one of the world's largest hospitality companies, is pleased to announce its partnership with Samsung®, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, as the sole endorsed television brand for Wyndha Choice Hotels Franchise Launches Innovative Music Initiative to Support Nonprofit Causes and MusiciansChoice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is proud to announce the launch of Choice Hotels Music – an innovative new music initiative designed to give artists the rare opportunity to deliver their music to millions of consumers and retain owners Starwood Continues Expansion in India of Mid-Market Four Points by Sheraton Hotels with Signing of Non-Exclusive Master Agreement with an Affiliate of Duet India Hotels Ltd and JHM Interstate Hotels India Pvt. Ltd.Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the signing of a Non-Exclusive Master Agreement with D.I.H (Cyprus) Limited (an affiliate of Duet India Hotels Ltd.) and JHM Interstate Hotels India Pvt. Ltd. The agreement was sign Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort OpensHoliday Inn, the most widely recognized and family-friendly hotel brand in the world, will open on Disney property today. The 14-story, 323-room hotel, located on Orlando's Hotel Plaza Boulevard, is the latest property as part of the $1 billion... IHG Becomes First Global Hotel Franchise Company to Reward Loyalty Points for Geolocation Check-InsIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms today announced that Priority Club® members who become Topguest members will now be awarded loyalty points with each geolocation check-in at any one of its more tha InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Financial Report 2009In accordance with the Listing Rules, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (the "Company") has submitted the following documents to the UK Listing Authority today. These will be available for inspection at the UK Listing Authority's Document Viewing... The Park Vista – A Doubletree Hotel Franchise – Gatlinburg Celebrates $11 Million Renovation with New Look and New NameDoubletree® Hotels is proud to announce the opening of the The Park Vista – A Doubletree Hotel – Gatlinburg. Prior to becoming a Doubletree, this 300-room, circular landmark hotel which rises high above the Great Smoky Mountains and the po Wyndham Worldwide Franchise Extends Title Sponsorship through 2012The PGA TOUR, the Piedmont Triad Charitable Foundation and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today announced a two-year title sponsorship extension for the Wyndham Championship, through 2012. Econo Lodge Franchise and Rodeway Inn Sponsor Rebuilding Dreams Together - The National Rebuilding Project to Help Homeowners in NeedThis summer, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn have teamed up with Rebuilding Together, the signature cause of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), to help homeowners in need through the Rebuilding Dreams Together project. The public vote decides whic Aloft Hotels Franchise to Debut in ClevelandStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announced plans to debut its Aloft brand in Cleveland, Ohio. Aloft Cleveland Downtown is scheduled to open in early 2013 as a key element of the Flats East Bank development - Cleveland's new Aloft Franchise Hotels Makes Landmark Debut in EuropeStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(R) (NYSE:HOT) and its new destination sensation brand, Aloft(R) Hotels, announce that Aloft Brussels Schuman, the first Aloft hotel in Europe, opens today. Aloft Hotels delivers urban-inspired, modern design a Days Inns Franchise - Canada Help Ease the Stress for Students Moving To University or CollegeWith the new school year fast approaching and preparations under way, students and parents alike have their hands full. To help with the transition and ease stress, Days Inns - Canada locations are once again offering a back-to-school special. Hotel Indigo Franchise Expands in New York with New Hotel on Long Island's East EndHotel Indigo, IHG's (InterContinental Hotels Group) upscale boutique brand, today announces the opening of Hotel Indigo East End in Riverhead, New York. Conveniently situated near the Hamptons and vineyards of Eastern Long Island, the 100-room conversion IHG Franchise Pays Back Guests for Their Checked Bag Fees This Holiday SeasonAs U.S. residents make travel plans for the holidays, or simply for a weekend getaway between now and the end of the year, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is rewarding their guests by reimbursing checked baggage fees. Beginning Aug. 16, when traveller Double Your Rewards, Earn Free Nights Faster This Fall with Choice Hotels FranchiseChoice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is offering travelers the chance to earn double Choice Privileges points on each and every qualifying stay at its economy and extended stay brand hotels this fall.* Title Sponsor Wyndham Worldwide Franchise Tees Off The Wyndham Championship with a "Day of Giving"Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), one of the world's largest hospitality companies, is giving back to the community through donations to several children-focused charities, in conjunction with the Wyndham Championship, currently being held at the Sedgefield Newcrest Hotels Opens Two New IHG PropertiesDespite the challenging economy, Newcrest Hotels has pursued an aggressive growth strategy in the midscale hotel segment and has recently opened the latest additions to their portfolio - a Holiday Inn Express in Paris, Texas and a Holiday Inn Express... Honoring 25th Anniversary, Priority Club Rewards Enhance Bonus Points Promotion With 25,000 Points Per Day GiveawayJust in time for the fall travel season, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] is making it quick and easy for guests to earn double points or double miles through Priority Club Rewards, its award-winning customer loyalty program Aloft Franchise Opens First Hotel in OklahomaStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announces the debut of its Aloft brand in Oklahoma with the opening of Aloft Tulsa. Owned by Anish Hotels Group and managed by LodgeWorks, L.P., this brand-new destination sensation features Holiday Inn Express Franchise Opens to Serve Growing Northwest HoustonIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms announces the opening of a new 87-room Holiday Inn Express in Houston, Texas. The Holiday Inn Express-Houston NW Beltway 8 - West Road off Park Hyatt Koh Samui to Open in 2009Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to manage a new luxury resort that is being developed by Proud Resorts Koh Samui Co. Ltd., a joint venture between real estate and hospitality investment specialists, First Oriental, and the Liptapanlop.. Triangle's first Value Place Hotel Franchise opens in ApexThe first Value Place extended stay hotel in the Triangle has opened in Apex. Starwood Hotels Franchise Bets Big on Puerto RicoStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is gearing up for the November opening of The St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico, the island's first luxury project since 1997. Underscoring the recovery in luxury hospitality, the $172 million res Osaka's First InterContinental Hotel Franchise to open in 2013InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Osaka Station North Yard Development Project today reached an agreement for IHG to open a luxury hotel and high-end residences within the Osaka Station North Yard Development Project in Osaka city under the InterCon Motel 6 Partners with Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R))Motel 6 is proud to announce the launch of a sponsorship with Ronald McDonald House Charities. As one of America's most recognized hotel brands, Motel 6 is known for providing guests with clean, comfortable and affordable lodging. As an extension of... Ramada Brand Grows in India with Agreements for Four HotelsWyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with more than 7,100 hotels under 11 brands, today announced the signing of four franchise agreements in India, bringing the total number of hotels that the company has open or under development in... Holiday Inn Express Franchise Wall Street New York Opens in the Heart of Manhattan's Financial DistrictIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Wall Street New York, serving both business and leisure travelers visiting New York City InterContinental Hotels Group Franchise Anounces 330,000 Reasons to Say 'Thank You'IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel company, is leading a week of celebrations to say 'thanks' to the teams across their 4,400 hotels, offices and reservation centres around the world. Outrigger Enterprises Group Joins Forces With Holiday Inn Franchise in HawaiiOutrigger Enterprises Group, Hawaii's largest locally owned hotel operator, and IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced the signing of a license agreement to reb Starwood Hotels Franchise Set to Grow NYC Portfolio by 50%Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced that it will grow its New York City portfolio by 50% this year and open more hotels in New York in 2010 than any other city in the world. Today, Starwood operates 12 hotels in the Big Apple across si "Rooms With A View" At Hyatt Regency Toronto On KingThe new Hyatt Regency Toronto On King will open its doors as the city's newest upscale hotel on February 16. The 394-guestroom and suite hotel will feature the city's most incredible views of Toronto's skyline. The hotel will also feature the latest... Topping Off the Pittsburgh Cambria Suites Hotel FranchiseHorizon Properties Group, LLC, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Horizon Hospitality, LLC and Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) celebrated the "topping off" milestone of the new Cambria Suites Pittsburgh hotel last week. The 142-suite hotel is located Westin Continues Global Expansion with New Resorts Opening in Greece and Thailand This SummerContinuing its global growth trajectory, Westin Hotels & Resorts is set to open two new breathtaking resorts in premium locations this summer. The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino recently made its debut on Greece's scenic west coast and will be followed Premier Inn Opens New Hotel In BournemouthDue to open on 21st April 2008, the new development is located on the seafront and features 120 bedrooms, the contemporary Manhattan lounge bar and the Waters Reach Restaurant and Bar. Introducing Manhattan's Newest Star: The InterContinental Franchise New York Times SquareIHG (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today began checking guests into the 607-room InterContinental New York Times Square. Rising 36 stories above the iconic New York skyline, the property is the large Three Stays at Aloft or Element Hotels Earn Travelers a Free NightJust three stays at Aloft and Element hotels worldwide will earn guests a free night through a promotion launching today. Philip Sanford Named President And Coo Of Value Place LLCValue Place, the Wichita-based economy extended stay lodging brand, is pleased to announce that Philip H. Sanford has joined the company as its new president and chief operating officer. Whitbread launches green refurbishment driveWhitbread PLC, the UK's largest hotel and restaurant group, has today announced that as part of this year's capital investment programme it will be spending over £7m in a major sustainability programme to boost the environmental performance of its h Le Méridien Franchise Announces Contemporary Chinese Artists Yan Lei and Chen Wenbo as New Members to its LM100(TM) Creative CommunityLe Méridien today announced Chinese artists Yan Lei and Chen Wenbo as the latest LM100(TM) members, selected by Jérôme Sans, Le Méridien's Global Cultural Curator. As part of LM100, Yan Lei will provide artwork for a new key car Hyatt Place(R) Franchise North Charleston Celebrates Grand OpeningHyatt Hotels & Resorts and Naman Hotels today announced the opening of Hyatt Place North Charleston, the fourth Hyatt Place hotel in South Carolina and second in North Charleston. Hotel Indigo Opens in Asheville, N.C.The newest Hotel Indigo opened its doors today in downtown Asheville, N.C. Nestled near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 100-room new-build boutique hotel is the second of five properties planned for the state; additional deals are signed... Choice Hotels International, Inc. Franchise Anounces New Choice Privileges(R) Visa Signature(R) Card Represents A Great Way for Consumers to Save on Next VacationChoice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) today announced that the new no annual fee Choice Privileges(R) Visa Signature(R) Card, featuring fast earning power and an automatic upgrade to Elite Gold status, will be available July 1. Hyatt Resorts Franchise Launches Best of all Worlds ChallengeHyatt Resorts today announced a new way for guests to win free hotel nights. To kick-off its Best of All Worlds campaign, Hyatt is launching a challenge hosted on the new Hyatt Resorts Facebook page www.facebook.com/HyattResorts – asking fans to... Holiday Inn Hotel Franchise Relaunches 2,500 Hotels Globally and Celebrates 40th Anniversary in MexicoIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms announced today the relaunch of its 2,500th hotel, the Holiday Inn Poza Rica Aeropuerto, in Poza Rica, Veracruz, Mexico. Holiday Inn Wall Street to Open in the Heart of New York City's Financial DistrictIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced today that the Holiday Inn Wall Street will open in April as the only full-service IHG property in the center of the Financial... New Wyndham Hotel Franchise Opens in Jamaican CapitalWyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN), today announced its expansion in the Caribbean with the opening of the 303-room-and-suite Wyndham Kingston Jamaica. New Beefeater And Premier Inn Officially Opens In BirminghamLocal business people and dignitaries will come together on Monday 3rd March to celebrate the official opening of the first new Beefeater to open in eight years – The Duck. Located on the prestigious Calthorpe Estate on Hagley Road in Edgbaston... |
Features & Special ReportsFranchising With Family Members Can Be Fraught With Danger Or Filled With SuccessIt can be difficult enough to get a franchise up and running on your own, or with other operational and investing partners, but it can be downright arduous if family members are involved in the deal. But that's the route some franchisees take and when done properly this management model can provide years of personal and professional harmony. But there are some secrets to making it work. Go in unprepared and you could break up a business and a family. The Winner's ColumnAs savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in this challenging economy, FUSR will continue to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, and continuing to grow despite the economy - maybe even because of it. And, as the U.S. struggles through its "jobless recovery," growth-oriented franchisors continue to look overseas for expansion opportunities. Sales Intelligence for Superior Performance, Part 2Aggressive growth companies measure the performance of their sales personnel just as they do their advertising. With high recruitment expenses you can't afford mediocre selling performance, which costs dearly in lost franchise deals. A policyholder survey by Prudential Insurance revealed that the greatest influencing factor in the buying process is the sales person. Turning Around Struggling FranchiseesTwo years of tight credit and reduced consumer spending have left many franchisees reeling and put a serious crimp in franchisors' royalty streams. Workout professionals and bankruptcy attorneys experienced in franchising discuss what franchisors can do to help turn around distressed units - without spending scarce funds or getting themselves into legal hot water. New Gift Card Regulations Kicked in August 22ndLast year when President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009 (the Act") into law, the nation's attention largely focused on those provisions of the law that aim to change the way credit card companies do business with consumers. However, since the Act imposes requirements on gift card issuers, it also changed the way many retailers and franchise companies will do business with consumers. Strong Cultures Sell More Franchises!Every franchise organization has a culture, the same way every person has a personality. If your franchise brand is serious about growth and development, ask yourself these two questions: 1) Does our franchise system have a strong, positive culture?; and 2) Is it a culture that promotes selling franchises? Special Operations: Franchising in a Strange LandOpening franchise units in nontraditional locations has been the domain of specialists--but not anymore. With the economy still slumping, lending still tight, and suburban expansion at a standstill, many multi-unit franchisees are exploring the viability of sites such as airports, hotels, colleges, senior centers, highway rest stops, hospitals, and military bases. Rolling with the Punches: Franchisors Continue Adapting to ChangeThe rules and methods for franchise sales are changing daily with the general public's increasing awareness of the economy, deficits, lending, the housing market, and more. As some of us "graybeards" can remember, this isn't the first time the rules have changed--and it won't be the last. Change on the HorizonJust like any business, the franchising business is one that I have seen evolve tremendously over the past 30 years. While many of the cornerstones and crucial elements - product, simplicity, control, and support - remain the same, so much is changing. Hiring Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Hiring the Spirit of SuccessAs we continue to mine Dave Melton's book, <i>Hire the American Dream,</i> I thought it would be interesting to highlight a case study that demonstrates just how successful smart hiring can be. Here Melton describes his experience hiring an immigrant.
|