Worldwide briefing
Starwood results
New York-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts reported a loss of $2m (£1.4m) in the three months to 31 December 2001, compared with a profit of $130m (£92m) for the same period in 2000. Turnover dipped by 21% to $878m (£622m), down from $1.1b (£780m). Despite the massive declines, Starwood said it expected a rebound in the second half of 2002.
Hilton in Sweden
The first Hilton hotel in Sweden is opening this month. The 290-bedroom Hilton Stockholm Slussen opens on 21 February. Hilton plans to open at least four hotels in Sweden during the year.
Starbucks to pay up
A woman who accused Starbucks of negligence after an espresso machine exploded and burnt her has been awarded $3.5m (£2.5m) in compensation. She had asked for $5m (£3.5m).
Spanish growth
Spanish hotel group Riu recorded a 10.4% increase in turnover, to €697m (£424m) for the year to 31 December 2001. The group expects to see further growth next year and predicts an increase of 6.2% in turnover for 2002.
Fear of flying?
The predispositions of business travellers remain unchanged since last October, according to the latest figures from marketing company Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown. Almost a fifth (18%) of business travellers still say their future business travel plans will be affected by the events of 11 September. In October 2001, this figure was 19%.
