STR and STR Global, respectively parent and sister companies of HotelNewsNow.com, on Thursday posted their November performance results for the four world regions:
Americas: The Americas region ended November with a 4.4% increase in occupancy to 56.2%, a 4.1% gain in average daily rate to US$102.90 and an 8.6% jump in revenue per available room to US$57.87.
Asia/Pacific: The region’s occupancy increased 2.1% to 71.9%, its ADR increased 4.7% to US$143.08 and its RevPAR was up 6.9% to US$102.89.
Europe: The European hotel industry posted positive results in year-over-year metrics when reported in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds for November 2011.
Year-over-year, November 2011 figures for Europe (U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds):
| |
Europe |
% change |
| Occupancy |
65.9% |
+1.7% |
| ADR (U.S. dollars) |
$131 |
+1.7% |
| ADR (euros) |
€98.24 |
+0.6% |
| ADR (British pounds) |
£84.21 |
+1.9% |
| RevPAR (U.S. dollars) |
$86.29 |
+3.5% |
| RevPAR (euros) |
€64.71 |
+2.3% |
| RevPAR (British pounds) |
£55.47 |
+3.6% |
Source: STR Global
Middle East/Africa: The region ended the month with a 4.3% decrease in occupancy to 65.8%, a 3.5% rise in ADR to US$184.24 and a 1% decrease in RevPAR to US$121.28.
Overall board effectiveness has improved for Europe’s largest public hotel groups, according to the annual HVS Executive Search European Hotel Board study. However, adequate representation of women on the boards of directors of leading hotel groups still does not meet HVS Executive Search’s recommended 33% of board seats.
The top three places in this year’s study were, for the third year running, shared by InterContinental Hotels Group, Rezidor Hotel Group and Whitbread with the top two achieving scores of more than 90%.
HVS Executive Search’s 10 features of successful hotel boards
1. Has between five and 11 directors, with a preference for an odd number to facilitate decision making
2. Has more than 75% of directors who are independent outsiders
3. At least one-third of the board of directors are made up of women
4. Should have four committees: audit, compensation, governance and nominating
5. Maintains the separate positions of CEO and chairman
6. Has a chairman from outside the company
7. Has no board interlocks (arrangement between companies which sees the exchange of board positions)
8. No insider participation (where a board member’s own company engages in business activities with the company)
9. Re-elects members at least once every three years (ideally every 12 months)
10. Has a transparent policy regarding details of directors’ remuneration.
With a portfolio of 617 hotels comprising nearly 75,000 guestrooms, Residence Inn’s roster includes properties of all ages and continues on its quest for its own fountain of youth via freshness and consistency, reports HotelNewsNow.com’s Jeff Higley.
Couple that with a five-year growth plan in Europe, a global pipeline that includes 135 properties and the roll out of a new room design called “Possibilities,” and Residence Inn is doing anything but remaining stationary, said Diane Mayer, VP and global brand manager for the brand.
“From a consumer perspective, as a brand we have to deliver a consistent experience,” Mayer said. “We have to make sure we are keeping the product fresh so even an older hotel has the same offerings as a new one.”
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The Ascend Collection membership program from Choice Hotels International reported record growth for 2011.
Membership is up approximately 35% over the previous year, Stacy Ragland, VP of operations for the Ascend Collection membership program, said in a news release.
Revenue per available room through the end of the third quarter increased more than 9%, at US$65.81 compared to US$60.25 for the same period in 2010. Ascend Collection properties have seen on average more than 40% of their reservations from Choice Hotels channels this year—the highest contribution rate of any brand in the company’s domestic system.
Priceline.com and agoda.com on Monday released their lists of top destinations for ringing in 2012. New York City's Times Square is the No. 1 destination for U.S. revelers, and it marks the first time in seven years that New York City has edged Las Vegas for the top spot on Priceline.com's list.
New York neighborhoods took seven of the top 10 spots, and 14 of the 50 spots on the list, followed by Las Vegas, which took six spots.
Meanwhile, in the Asia/Pacific region, Bangkok and Singapore are the first and second-choice destinations for New Year's party-goers.
"Thailand remains our top New Year's destination,” agoda.com President Robert Rosenstein said of the Asia/Pacific region in a news release. “This is due to a deep supply of high-end product at steeply discounted rates, and the resilient spirit of Thai people, who embrace the holiday season with events, decorations, music and a cheerful attitude."
Priceline.com's top destinations list is based on thousands of hotel booking requests made by customers of its Name Your Own Price hotel service for the New Year's weekend. Agoda.com's list is based on hotel reservations made for the upcoming holiday.
Compiled by Stephanie Wharton.
