Worldwide briefing
Morocco Millennium
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has been awarded management contracts to operate two five-star hotels in Morocco. It will operate the 291-bedroom Millennium Hotel Agadir in Baie des Palmiers, scheduled to open at the end of this year, and the 40-bedroom Millennium Hotel Marrakech, which will open in mid 2003.
Seasonal drop-off
Toronto-based hotel group Four Seasons reported a drop of more than 75% in its fourth-quarter profits in 2001 to Cdn$9.3m (£4m), compared with Cdn$38.5m (£17m) for the same period in 2000. Turnover fell by 26% to Cdn$76.9m (£34m), from Cdn$104.1m (£45.9m) in 2000. The group cited 11 September as a reason for the declines.
Best Western builds
The Best Western consortium wants to take on more than 300 hotels during 2002. It will focus on international and North American cities. The group includes more than 4,000 hotels in 80 countries.
Choice turndown
Choice Hotels Scandinavia recorded a pre-tax loss of €5.6m (£3.4m) for the fourth quarter of 2001, down from a pre-tax profit of €1.9m (£1.1m) for the same period in 2000. Turnover increased to €94.9m (£57.9m), from €93.9m (£57.3m).
Maurice Brockwell
Australian hotelier and entrepreneur Maurice Brockwell has died, aged 53, of a heart attack. His properties included the Moon & Sixpence, Elephant & Wheelbarrow and Rosie O'Grady chains.
