Worldwide briefing

Starwood brand re-launch
Starwood Hotels and Resorts is embarking on a major re-launch of its portfolio, including the newly acquired Le Meridien brand. The changes will focus on creating "signature experiences which cannot be copied", according to Oliver Bonke, vice-president of sales and marketing for Starwood Asia-Pacific. The Westin brand's re-launch will centre on the concept of renewal, with changes such as Westin Unwind, featuring a daily "renewal hour" ritual to help guests relax. The re-launch strategy has taken over a year, but Bonke would not yet disclose plans for the company's other brands.

Quiet times for Fairmont
The Fairmont hotel brand has unveiled a rejuvenating "Quiet Zone" in one of its Canadian properties. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport's sixth floor is now a designated "Quiet Zone", for travellers who want to relax, readjust their body clock, or simply have a quick nap before heading out. Earplugs and eye masks are provided in the 19 designated rooms, however with day-to-day hotel operations suspended between 8am and 8pm, there should be no need to avoid vacuuming housekeepers.

TajHotels opens first Australian property
The Indian Hotels Company Ltd has opened its first Australian acquisition in Woolloomooloo Bay, Sydney. The 100-room BLUE hotel, a former Starwood-branded W, was bought for £15.2m and marks Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces first foray into Australia. Raymond Bickson, managing director and CEO of The Indian Hotels Company, said the company was pleased with the acquisition, citing Sydney as a "travel hub for Australasia". He said: "The entry of Taj Hotels and Resorts and Palaces into Australia is significant, as it represents one of the fastest growing markets of international arrivals to India."

Marriott beds down in Cologne
Beds are the order of the day at the newly-opened Cologne Marriott Hotel. The 282-room hotel in Cologne is the first Marriott property to feature Marriott Revive beds. The branded beds have been designed for "relaxed sleep and wonderful dreams", and come complete with plush mattresses, soft sheets and a selection of pillows. The hotel is situated beside the city's historic cathedral, and is within walking distance of Cologne's main train station.

Rocco Forte moves chef to FrankfurtRocco Forte has appointed Pietro Amato as executive chef at his latest property the Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt. Amato, who was formerly head chef at Rocco Forte's Le Richemond in Geneva, will take up the position in time for the opening on 1 March. The hotel's restaurant, Gusto, will serve high-quality Italian food in a sophisticated setting. Villa Kennedy is the first of the company's three German properties currently under development.

Dubai is top of the hotel world Dubai has the world's highest revenue per available room (revpar) despite fears that the country's hotels are becoming too expensive and exclusive. According to a survey by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), revpar figures for Dubai during the last three quarters of 2005 sat at 86%, while four-star properties recorded a 96% occupancy rate. Dubai currently has a total hotel room capacity of 35,396, with this figure set to rise to approximately 20,000 by 2010.

Koreans go further afield The number of Koreans travelling abroad has hit the 10 million mark for the first time, according to statistics published by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Korea Tourism Organisation. Asia, Europe and the Americas were the most popular destinations, with Japan and China playing host to 51.1% of outbound Koreans in 2005. "The Korean outbound tourism miracle has been the product of dramatic and painful structural reform in the economy following the financial collapse in 1997-98," said PATA director of strategic intelligence John Koldowski. "Over time, as the Korean people's spending power strengthened, so did their resolve to spend it on overseas experiences, especially in Asia," he added.

By Jen Crothers

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