Worldwide briefing

US first for Jumeirah
Dubai-based luxury hotel group Jumeirah has taken over the management of New York's Essex House hotel, marking the company's first foray in the US market. The 515-room hotel will now be known as Jumeirah Essex House. Gerald Lawless, CEO of Jumeirah, said that the company was delighted with the acquisition. "We are proud to have this landmark hotel added to the Jumeirah portfolio." The company hopes to establish Jumeirah Essex House as a luxurious destination for both visitors and residents of New York.

Shangri-La moves into European mansion

The hotel will comprise 140 deluxe bedrooms and suites, and will feature a rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tour and River Seine. Once opened, the seven storey property will be the first luxury hotel in Paris operated by an Asian group.

Starwood aims higher with Crillion
Starwood Capital plans to launch a new luxury hotel brand off the back of its Hotel de Crillion in Paris. The Crillion brand will build on the hotel's reputation for impeccable service, personalised service and world class facilities. Each of the new properties will feature premier shopping and dining options, spa and fitness facilities, and a "world class personalised unique service". The company hopes to develop the European-style Crillion brand in "sophisticated cities" such as London, Rome, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Beijing and Dubai.

Trump does travel
American billionaire Donald Trump has announced his entry to the online travel industry with the birth of GoTrump.com. The site will offer advice and travel tips from Mr Trump himself, and will feature more than 60,000 hotels across the world. The site will help travellers to find the best deals to suit any price range, from budget to Trump-style lavishness.

Global Hyatt announces extended-stay brand
Chicago-based Global Hyatt Corporation has announced the name of the company's new extended-stay brand. The recently acquired Summerfield Suites has been renamed as Hyatt Summerfield Suites, with conversions beginning later this year. Global Hyatt is currently developing a prototype concept for the impending conversions, but will include an emphasis on design, forward thinking technology and sensory branding.

Swissôtel deal for Raffles
Global hotel management company Raffles International has won the management contract for the new Swissôtel Ankara. The new hotel marks Raffles International's further expansion into Turkey, where it already operates two properties. The company's portfolio now extends to 40 hotels in 35 destinations. The 150-room deluxe Swissôtel Ankara is expected to open in April 2006. The hotel will offer a 900sq m conference area and rooms, alongside a business centre with full secretarial services, and 24-hour technical support.

Tourism versus bird flu
The tourist industry must participate in the drive to contain the effects of avian flu, according to the special advisor to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). "We in the tourism sector are fundamentally exposed - both as a result of market response and potential regulatory controls on movement in affected regions," said Geoffrey Lipman. However, he added the industry must respond positively to global community initiatives, and seek to minimise exposure through good planning, informed dialogue and response programmes.

Golden Tulip blooms in Bahrain
Golden Tulip Hotels, Inn and Resorts has signed a management agreement for the five-star Golden Tulip Bahrain. According to the president and CEO of Golden Tulip, Hans W R Kennedie, the company is pleased with its expansion in the Middle Eastern market. "Adding the Golden Tulip Bahrain to our fast growing portfolio gives us yet another strong destination in the region. We are very optimistic regarding the outlook of our Middle Eastern network," he said. The 250-room property is in close proximity to the under-construction Bahrain World Trade Centre towers, and close to Bahrain Financial Harbour.

New villas for Danat
Danat Hotels and Resorts has unveiled six new luxury waterfront villas at the Jebel Dhanna resort in Abu Dhabi. The villas will join the existing 109 rooms and suites at the resort, and are aimed at a five-star market. General manager of Danat Jebel Dhanna, said the company was responding to travellers needs. "We know there is a need for an upscale product that will be used by couples, small groups and a variety of specialised travellers," he said. "The villas are both exclusive and functional. We want the guests to be as comfortable as they are at home - and even more so."

New man for new hotel
Rocco Forte Hotels has announced the appointment of a general manager at its new property in Germany. Georg Plesser has been named as the general manager of Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt, which is to open on 1 March this year. German-born Plesser will manage the 163-room luxury hotel, which takes a restored Villa from 1904 as its centrepiece. Most recently, Plesser was general manager of Ermitage Am See in Zurich, a boutique five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week -