Worldwide briefing

Hilton's gloom

Hilton Hotels Corporation said last week that it would not reach its financial targets for the third or fourth quarter of this year as a result of the events in the USA. It told investors it would "probably see the worst time we have ever seen" in the next six to 12 weeks, but predicted that normal levels of occupancy would soon return.

Reopen airport plea

Hotel operators and large hotel groups in Washington are calling for Reagan Airport to be reopened in a bid to boost business traffic.

Free St Kitts trips

Members of the St Kitts & Nevis Hotel Association and the St Kitts Ministry of Tourism are offering complimentary hotel stays on the Caribbean island to rescue workers involved in the clear-up following the terrorist attacks on the USA.

Morton's warning

New York-based Morton's Restaurant group warned it would report third-quarter losses caused by the weak economy, corporate business cutbacks, and unfavourable business conditions. It added that future results could also be adversely affected after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

Cafe plans crash

Plans for a "Crash Café" in Baltimore were abandoned last week. The $4.5m (£3.1m) café would have featured a huge model plane crashing into the building. The café, intended to become part of a nationwide chain, would have included video screens showing buildings exploding and a gift shop selling accident-themed souvenirs.