Worldwide briefing

Thai Hotels booming

Thailand saw a boom in its hotel industry during the first six months of 2002, according to a report from Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.

Occupancy levels remained fairly stable during the period at 75%, said the report, while average room rates increased by 25% at the country's four-star hotels to $45.00 (£28.91).

Burger chains sued

A lawsuit against four fast-food chains, including McDonald's, claiming that their food could cause obesity, has been dropped.

But the group and its competitor Burger King are now being sued by an environment group for allegedly hiding the fact that the oil used to cook their French fries may contain a chemical suspected of causing cancer.

Chicago settlement

Chicago hotel workers have settled their dispute with their employers over new contracts.

The Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union said it had won "major" improvements in wages, healthcare and job protection.

700th KFC in China

Yum! Brands, formerly Tricon Global Restaurants, plans to open its 700th Kentucky Fried Chicken in China in the next few weeks.

The fast-food group opened its first KFC in Beijing in 1987.

The company wants to increase the number of its restaurants outside the USA by 5% to 6% each year. It expects to open 1,000 new international restaurants this year.