Hilton Worldwide expands UAE portfolio with Hilton Sharjah

DUBAI, UAE/MCLEAN, US: Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with the Bin Otaiba Investment Group for a Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Sharjah, marking the company's entry into the emirate. 17 Feb 2011 10:27

Etihad opens new premium lounge in Dublin

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has officially opened its new premium lounge at Dublin Airport's Terminal 2 (T2). Etihad became the first airline to operate its scheduled arrival and departure services from T2 in late November 2010. 16 Feb 2011 06:00

London faces sharp spike in luxury hotel supply

LONDON, UK: According to analysis by PwC, there could be a 27% increase in luxury rooms in London by 2012 with around 2400 rooms in 18 hotels reported under construction or planned in London. 11 Feb 2011 11:04

Dining out on a downer

[Mintel Oxygen] CHICAGO, US: Dining out can be an indulgent treat, a convenient way to feed the family when you're too busy to cook at home, or a way of celebrating a special occasion. However, consumers are still hawkishly watching their discretionary spending - in fact, 60% of restaurant-goers report that the recession has changed the way their family spends money. 4 Feb 2011 06:03

Sweet success in a dry market as cider sees the fruits of innovation

[Mintel Oxygen] LONDON, UK: While in the not too distant past, drinking cider may have been associated with images of rural pastures, old fashioned drinking and unsophisticated palates, latest research from Mintel reveals that a combined push from the industry, coupled with consumer demand has seen cider beat the economic squeeze to become a favourite with the British consumer. 3 Feb 2011 09:22

Starwood Hotels & Resorts' customer service now using FaceTime

WHITE PLAINS, US: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced Starwood Preferred Guest members can now connect with the company's customer service agents using FaceTime. 21 Jan 2011 10:42

Craft beers bubble over in popularity

CHICAGO, US: While spirits barely edged out beer as the most popular alcoholic beverage enjoyed by consumers between 2009 and 2010, the market has hardly fallen flat. According to latest research from Mintel, domestic beer is the clear favourite, followed by imported varieties; but 33% of all beer drinkers aged 21 and up are drinking less imported beer because they're drinking more domestic craft beer instead. 5 Jan 2011 10:17

US business travellers anticipate more trips in 2011

NEW YORK, US: Business travellers are anticipating an increase in corporate travel for 2011 - a welcomed boost in customer demand for the hospitality and travel sectors - according to a new survey from Deloitte. 3 Dec 2010 05:55

Deloitte's 25th Annual Holiday Survey finds holiday shoppers divided

NEW YORK, US: While many consumers are uncertain about the economy heading into the holidays, a few important demographic segments are exhibiting more seasonal cheer, according to Deloitte's 25th Annual Holiday Survey of consumer spending intentions and trends. 26 Nov 2010 07:41

Long Beach Hotel, Mauritius: a new experience in Mauritian holiday-making

Opening in April 2011, the brand new Long Beach Hotel on Mauritius' east coast, on the Belle Mare Peninsula, is situated right where a powerful urban feel meets the ultimate in ocean, beach and indulgence. 24 Nov 2010 16:23

Powder dash

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Australia is famous for many things, but snow is not one of them... And frustrated antipodean 'powder chasers' are forever complaining about this lack of the white stuff, yet seem to be unaware that some of the best powder in the world is right on their doorstep. 23 Nov 2010 09:02

Calling home? You'll probably use social media

WHITE PLAINS, US: Waiting for word from a loved one on the road? Don't sit by the phone - just use social media to make contact... According to a survey released yesterday, 16 November 2010 by Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, the chances are people will keep in touch through social media rather than by using a phone. 17 Nov 2010 10:00

Expedia partners with Protea

BELLVUE, US/CAPE TOWN, SA: Expedia, Inc, reputedly the world's largest online travel company, announced this week that it has signed a global partnership agreement with Protea Hospitality Group, a South Africa-based hotel management company operating nearly 130 properties in eight countries throughout Africa under the Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels brands. 12 Nov 2010 07:30

US consumers go mobile for holiday shopping

NEW YORK, US/LONDON, UK, SINGAPORE,SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL: The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) (www.mmaglobal.com) and its official research partner, Luth Research (www.luthresearch.com), yesterday, 10 November 2010, released the October 2010 US Mobile Consumer Briefing, MMA's monthly survey of US adult mobile phone users (mobile consumers) about their mobile marketing behaviours and opinions. 11 Nov 2010 08:58