Worldwide briefing

Essential news from around the world…

More tourists:

World tourism grew by 3.2% in 1999, half a percentage point more than in 1998, according to a survey by the World Tourism Organisation. The number of tourists rose to 657 million and the amount they spent reached $455b.

Going global:

Four Seasons Hotels has announced plans to open seven more hotels over the next three years. They include a ski resort in British Columbia, Canada, and resorts in the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and France's Côte d'Azur. City hotels are planned for Beirut, Lebanon, and Alexandria, Egypt.

Rising star:

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has promoted its president of international operations, Robert Cotter, to chief operating officer. He replaces Brenda Barnes, who has served as interim chief operating officer since November.

French strike:

Some 200 staff at Servair II, an in-flight catering subsidiary of Air France, have gone on strike in support of a pay claim. Servair II provides trolley snacks on planes flying out of Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris. Hot meals are not affected.

German blight:

The hospitality industry in Germany recorded a slight drop in revenues during 1999, according to the country's Federal Statistics Office. Sales fell by 0.3%, or by 1.5% when adjusted for inflation. Restaurant sales dropped by 2.7% in real terms, while hotels saw growth of 0.5%.

Red Sea resort:

Marriott International has been named as the operator of a 393-bedroom hotel and resort being built on Egypt's Red Sea coast. The Taba Marriott Hotel and Beach Resort, on the east side of the Sinai peninsula, is expected to open later this year.