Worldwide briefing

Marriott slump

Marriott International has reported net profits down by 32% during the first three months of 2002, but says this is better than expected. Profits fell to $82m (£57m), against $121m (£84m) in the first quarter of 2001. Revenue per available room fell by an average 12.7% in US hotels, but in the rest of the world it fell by just 7%.

Hilton timeshares

US-based Hilton Hotels Corporation is converting two floors of the Hilton New York hotel into 78 urban timeshare apartments. Prices for the Hilton Club apartments, to open in December, will range from $20,000 to $100,000 (£13,800 to £69,100). Members will have use of all services available to guests.

African ambitions

Ramada International has entered into an agreement with hotel management firm Global V Hospitality to build 80 hotels in the Middle East and north Africa over the next five years. The first should open in Tunisia, Egypt and Lebanon. Ramada, with 137 hotels in 20 countries, is part of Marriott International.

Bigger Mac

Hamburger giant McDonald's reports a 6% rise in sales in Europe, and a 2% rise in the USA during the first three months of 2002. But sales in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa fell by 8%.

Swiss drop-off

Hotels in Switzerland saw the number of overnight stays fall to 7.57 million for December to February, a drop of 5.8% on last year. World economic problems, the strong Swiss franc and poor January snowfall were blamed.