Hotel News Resource - HOTEL Asia Pacific Hotel Industry News

Starwood has high aspirations for aloft, with a target of 150 hotels in Asia Pacific by 2009. HOTEL Asia Pacific editor Steve Shellum talks to the brand's boss Brian McGuinness, and the man who is spearheading its development in the region, Tom Monahan

When Jean-Jacques Reibel was appointed MD of the InterContinental Hong Kong a couple of years ago, he knew he was taking over one of the world's most celebrated hotels. But the former GM of Washington's venerable Willard Hotel - home-from-home for generations of presidents, royalty and diplomats - quickly realised there was something sadly lacking in his new property.

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is determined to achieve the city's highest room rates

'YOU sure this is the Hilton?' asks a frequent traveller as he enters the riotous lobby of the brand-busting Hilton Kuala Lumpur. 'It sure don't look or feel like a Hilton ...' You can say that again. The group that introduced international hotel management to Asia more than 30 years ago is shedding its conservative [some might say staid] old image and re-casting itself as a cutting-edge, innovative - even fun - brand for the 21st-century guest.

While global chains are trying to get to grips with third-party online travel providers, smaller groups and independents are welcoming them with open arms. By Steve Shellum, Editor, HOTEL Asia Pacific.

The gloves are off in th fight for dominance of the online distribution channels, with hotel giants like InterContinental getting tough with third-party suppliers. In the first of a two-part series, we look at the issues involved – and ask whether they can learn to get along nicely with each other ….

Marriott International is focusing much of its international expansion strategy squarely on Asia Pacific. 'Overall, we see the region as the most robust and dynamic of any market worldwide,' says president of international lodging, Ed Fuller.

Leading hospitality-industry magazine HOTEL Asia Pacific has won the 2005 PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award for the best business article. This is the fourth consecutive year that the magazine, established in January 2000, has been honoured in the awards.

It's shaping up to be a banner year for the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific, as industry leaders tell HOTEL Asia Pacific magazine's Publisher/Editor Steve Shellum

The hotel industry is pinning its hopes on gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 – but is it a sure winner? HOTEL Asia Pacific investigates.