Towards Twenty Ten
Two days left of the year 2009.
2009 has been kind to me and good for my business.
We can look back and remember, but we cannot retrace a single moment of the year that will past.
I have to admit that I will be leaving one or two 'baggages' behind this year 2009.
I encourage everyone to walk tall into Twenty Ten with a new wardrobe and great expectations.
And why not?. You do realise that there is only 365 days in a year and that's not many.
I wish you a Peaceful Twenty Ten and live your dream !
And when you find it, share it !
Have a wonderful time in Twenty Ten.
RonSIM
Is the US Interiors industry facing collapse?
Things are going from bad to worse in the US economy. Many in the design industry are reportedly losing hope. At the recent Hospitality Design Summit in Florida it was predicted that 30% of the industry would disappear in the next twelve months.
HotelDesigns correspondent comments of the event:
“Depressing would be generous. They had 4 different economists blasting the latest updated specifics…one even finished his hour long lecture with his PowerPoint image of “ Yes, We are fucked” blasted across the end of the ballroom. Another had an image of the Titanic sinking – with the words ‘Our Industry’ written across the bow.”
One leading US design company is rumoured to have lost $21 million in the last quarter, and two are closing their international offices as workloads disappear, a situation analogous to the 1990/91, which saw one practice have £8 million/$10 million of contracts cancelled in an afternoon, the kind of reversal that is almost impossible to overcome.
Globally the competition is just as fierce. The situation in the Gulf is patchy with Abu Dhabi reportedly busy, but Dubai in a state of recession with the major construction company in the region, Nakeel, announcing the redundancy of 15% of its workforce recently. Tourist numbers are down, not helped by reports of sewage on the beaches, and a collapse in property prices.
US brands are 80% of the US market, and reported that for the most part all plans for any type of expansion have now been put on hold (although Marriott recently confirmed it is to continue its investment programme). They claim to be more stressed than the design practices.
“They also said that they are not in the mood to talk to designers because they have nothing to say or information to share. They are laying off in droves and are re-evaluating the viability of their products/brands. Choice Hotels and Hilton were in this conversation. Starwood just laid off designers, reportedly including their lead designer D. B. Kim” reports our ear.
Some brands such as the Marriott Courtyard and Hilton Garden Inn are still going strong (watch for a Review of a US Courtyard coming soon on HotelDesigns)
In Europe where the brands are less than 30% of the market individual hotels are more strongly linked in to their specific local tourist markets and mostly less reliant on the corporate business bookings. As the Times said recently “Relax a little: sterling’s slump has a silver lining” because the fall, over 40% against the Euro, not only makes British products more competitive in prices but also has brought new waves of tourists to the country, with many reports of bookings up for home holidays (the staycation). Certainly a London theatre visit this last Saturday revealed busy bars and restaurants and a theatre full of Americans – the falling interest rates and lower sterling appear to be helping (but why are hotels cannibalizing their own rates with such heavy discounting already – surely they will have problems reversing this if the numbers coming rise?)
In the 1990/91 recession when the design industry took a major hit, one consequence was increased competition on fees. In general this led to a long term fall in achieved fee from around 12% down to 8% average. Firms were able to remain profitable only by changing working practices – often reducing what they did for the fee, but also increasing the use of computers and CAD to reduce personnel requirements, Architectural practices suffered more as the focus moved to refurbishment rather than to new build, and this picture is being repeated both here and in the US. Fee competition is also reappearing amongst design practices.
As yet the UK industry does not appear to be hit as hard as our friends across the Pond. We can only hope that measures being brought in by Governments to overcome recession will be effective, and that the thieves and fraudsters in the banking system will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law (not that there is any sign of this happening in the UK).
Globally the competition is just as fierce. The situation in the Gulf is patchy with Abu Dhabi reportedly busy, but Dubai in a state of recession with the major construction company in the region, Nakeel, announcing the redundancy of 15% of its workforce recently. Tourist numbers are down, not helped by reports of sewage on the beaches, and a collapse in property prices.
US brands are 80% of the US market, and reported that for the most part all plans for any type of expansion have now been put on hold (although Marriott recently confirmed it is to continue its investment programme). They claim to be more stressed than the design practices.
“They also said that they are not in the mood to talk to designers because they have nothing to say or information to share. They are laying off in droves and are re-evaluating the viability of their products/brands. Choice Hotels and Hilton were in this conversation. Starwood just laid off designers, reportedly including their lead designer D. B. Kim” reports our ear.
Some brands such as the Marriott Courtyard and Hilton Garden Inn are still going strong (watch for a Review of a US Courtyard coming soon on HotelDesigns)
In Europe where the brands are less than 30% of the market individual hotels are more strongly linked in to their specific local tourist markets and mostly less reliant on the corporate business bookings. As the Times said recently “Relax a little: sterling’s slump has a silver lining” because the fall, over 40% against the Euro, not only makes British products more competitive in prices but also has brought new waves of tourists to the country, with many reports of bookings up for home holidays (the staycation). Certainly a London theatre visit this last Saturday revealed busy bars and restaurants and a theatre full of Americans – the falling interest rates and lower sterling appear to be helping (but why are hotels cannibalizing their own rates with such heavy discounting already – surely they will have problems reversing this if the numbers coming rise?)
In the 1990/91 recession when the design industry took a major hit, one consequence was increased competition on fees. In general this led to a long term fall in achieved fee from around 12% down to 8% average. Firms were able to remain profitable only by changing working practices – often reducing what they did for the fee, but also increasing the use of computers and CAD to reduce personnel requirements, Architectural practices suffered more as the focus moved to refurbishment rather than to new build, and this picture is being repeated both here and in the US. Fee competition is also reappearing amongst design practices.
As yet the UK industry does not appear to be hit as hard as our friends across the Pond. We can only hope that measures being brought in by Governments to overcome recession will be effective, and that the thieves and fraudsters in the banking system will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law (not that there is any sign of this happening in the UK).
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Crisis can't kill Chinese confidence
By Liu Shinan (China Daily)Updated: 2009-02-04 07:43
Premier Wen Jiabao expressed optimism about China's ability to battle the impact of the current global economic crisis and emphasized the importance for the world to maintain confidence against the crisis during his recent European tour.
The Chinese leader's confidence was not groundless. The brisk shopping in consumer markets throughout cities and rural areas in the past "golden week" of Spring Festival was the best evidence of such confidence. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Chinese people spent a total of 290 billion yuan ($42.6 billion) shopping for the lunar new year celebration.
More noteworthy is the fact that the spending was a 13.8 percent growth on the basis of the same period of last year although the global recession is also felt in this country. The optimistic mood was also demonstrated by more than 100 million tourists who traveled to domestic and foreign destinations during the seven days.
Admittedly, China is also suffering from the impact of the global crisis. Reduction in foreign orders for Chinese products has left thousands of Chinese plants shut down and millions of workers jobless. Then why are Chinese people still so optimistic? Are they numb before the looming threats?
Chinese people are definitely not engrossed in a mood of blind optimism. They know the latent hazards; but they have not lost their basic confidence.
This confidence stems from their understanding that the essential elements of China's economy have not changed and the development mode they have chosen in the 30 years of reform and opening-up drive has not changed.
And the victories they achieved in 2008 overcoming the difficulties brought along by the unprecedented snow storms in January and earthquake in May and the successes of the Beijing Olympic Games and Chinese astronauts' space-walk all enhanced their confidence.
Although they have complaints, as all people throughout the world do, the Chinese people have confidence in the government's ability to lead them in fighting the economic adversities.
This phenomenon may merit some thoughts on the part of certain Western politicians who always blame China from ideological perspectives.
Why does a country adopting a social system diametrically different from the liberal capitalism they worship the most demonstrate a stronger confidence in the face of the worst economic crisis in seven decades?
Why was a government which so often interferes in the market so successful in maintaining a fast economic growth for so many years?
Why does a country that emphasizes collectivism more than individualism win such a strong trust from its people?
In his speech delivered at Cambridge University on Monday, Premier Wen said: "This once-in-a-century financial crisis is truly thought-provoking. It reminds us of the need to have serious reflections on the existing economic systems and theories."
He was right. Many Western economists have also begun to reflect on the drawbacks of the extreme liberal capitalism. In fact, the measures adopted by Western governments recently to bail out their battered economies were exactly administrative interference against the "intangible" market force - the core value of liberal capitalism.
Different countries have different national conditions. What is successful in one country may not apply to others. Therefore, to battle the current world crisis, as Wen suggested, "countries should, first and foremost, run their own affairs well and refrain from shifting troubles onto others".
By Liu Shinan (China Daily)Updated: 2009-02-04 07:43
Premier Wen Jiabao expressed optimism about China's ability to battle the impact of the current global economic crisis and emphasized the importance for the world to maintain confidence against the crisis during his recent European tour.
The Chinese leader's confidence was not groundless. The brisk shopping in consumer markets throughout cities and rural areas in the past "golden week" of Spring Festival was the best evidence of such confidence. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Chinese people spent a total of 290 billion yuan ($42.6 billion) shopping for the lunar new year celebration.
More noteworthy is the fact that the spending was a 13.8 percent growth on the basis of the same period of last year although the global recession is also felt in this country. The optimistic mood was also demonstrated by more than 100 million tourists who traveled to domestic and foreign destinations during the seven days.
Admittedly, China is also suffering from the impact of the global crisis. Reduction in foreign orders for Chinese products has left thousands of Chinese plants shut down and millions of workers jobless. Then why are Chinese people still so optimistic? Are they numb before the looming threats?
Chinese people are definitely not engrossed in a mood of blind optimism. They know the latent hazards; but they have not lost their basic confidence.
This confidence stems from their understanding that the essential elements of China's economy have not changed and the development mode they have chosen in the 30 years of reform and opening-up drive has not changed.
And the victories they achieved in 2008 overcoming the difficulties brought along by the unprecedented snow storms in January and earthquake in May and the successes of the Beijing Olympic Games and Chinese astronauts' space-walk all enhanced their confidence.
Although they have complaints, as all people throughout the world do, the Chinese people have confidence in the government's ability to lead them in fighting the economic adversities.
This phenomenon may merit some thoughts on the part of certain Western politicians who always blame China from ideological perspectives.
Why does a country adopting a social system diametrically different from the liberal capitalism they worship the most demonstrate a stronger confidence in the face of the worst economic crisis in seven decades?
Why was a government which so often interferes in the market so successful in maintaining a fast economic growth for so many years?
Why does a country that emphasizes collectivism more than individualism win such a strong trust from its people?
In his speech delivered at Cambridge University on Monday, Premier Wen said: "This once-in-a-century financial crisis is truly thought-provoking. It reminds us of the need to have serious reflections on the existing economic systems and theories."
He was right. Many Western economists have also begun to reflect on the drawbacks of the extreme liberal capitalism. In fact, the measures adopted by Western governments recently to bail out their battered economies were exactly administrative interference against the "intangible" market force - the core value of liberal capitalism.
Different countries have different national conditions. What is successful in one country may not apply to others. Therefore, to battle the current world crisis, as Wen suggested, "countries should, first and foremost, run their own affairs well and refrain from shifting troubles onto others".
In a recession…Hotel sales basics still work
Feb 04, 09 1:59 am www. hotelier.com
Feb 04, 09 1:59 am www. hotelier.com
By: Neil Salerno - Hotel Marketing Coach
We live in a highly technical world; the Internet, blogs, webinars, PDA's ,and email; holy smokes, we sure are getting sophisticated. But, in the process, are we leaving the tried and true sales basics farther and further behind us? In a recession, we don't need to re-direct our sales and marketing efforts; we need to get back to the basics that have worked and succeeded for many years. Read more:...http://ehotelier.com/browse/news_more.php?id=D15511_0_11_0_M
Interior Designers take responsibility?
The following article is based on an article in in the Kansa City Star and does point to an area of responsibility that designers can overlook. Site supervision is not just about getting it built right, but other factors come into play too, as this story shows...
Read more .....http://www.hoteldesigns.net/industrynews/news_5271.html
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to Open Its First North American Andaz HotelHyatt Hotels & Resorts has announced the January 2009 launch of its second property under its new brand, Andaz. Located on Los Angeles’ vibrant Sunset Strip - the site of the legendary Hyatt West Hollywood - Andaz West Hollywood will reflect the cosmopolitan feel of its surrounding neighborhood, while showcasing the brand’s friendly and caring service, relaxed ambience and vibrant social spaces.
FF&E Inc Brings Snapdragon to the US and Canada FF&E & Snapdragon have joined forces to bring to the US & Canadian market an exciting and rare thing – commercial furniture that:Combines style with function Is a high quality at the right price (for today’s market)And can be fully customised
Working closely with Snapdragon FF&E inc have developed a collection of designs combining robust functionality with innovative design and striking aesthetics, that will bring individuality and sophistication to any commercial interior.For more information on Snapdragon’s Unique products, please contact Ron Sim of FF&E Inc (for the US and Canadian enquiries) or Claire Taylor of Snapdragon for other information.
First of Two New Brands from Hilton AnnouncedHome2 Suites by Hilton™ is value-wise, extended-stay hotel brand with “hip and humble” styleBEVERLY HILLS, Calif., (Jan. 26, 2008) – Hilton Hotels Corporation today announced the launch of Home2 Suites by Hilton™, a new mid-tier, extended-stay hotel concept targeting the savvy, value-wise, extended-stay guest, an under-represented segment of the marketplace. The announcement was made at a special media and developer event prior to the kickoff of the 8th Annual America’s Lodging Investment Summit in San Diego, Calif. To demonstrate the strong interest from the hotel development community, 10 submitted franchise applications were announced at this morning’s event, with the first Home2 Suites hotel expected to begin construction in the next 6 to 12 months. Executives anticipate an additional 10 to 15 franchise applications to be approved within the next 30 to 60 days.
Read more ....http://www.hoteldesigns.net/industrynews/news_5306.html
" I just love this article. The truth and reality behind it all !.
I encourage EVERYONE to take a breather and read this. Then be Optimistic ! "
First step in new sales: Believe it is possible!
Jan 30, 09 1:59 am by ehotelier.com
Jan 30, 09 1:59 am by ehotelier.com
By Doug Kennedy
As a supplier for the hospitality industry for two decades, it has always been interesting to see how hotels and hotel companies react during times of economic downturn. This current downturn has been especially interesting to observe because for most hotels, it follows several years of record profits, which all seasoned veterans know can't last forever. Even with the downturn many hotels will still produce respectable profits next year overall.
It is interesting to see how hotels are reacting at this current moment in our industry's history. After such great years through 2007 and a decent start to 2008, then a steady and deep dive in the third and fourth quarters to end last year, there is no doubt logical reason for uncertainty about how the market will play out for 2009 and beyond.
It is interesting to see how hotels are reacting at this current moment in our industry's history. After such great years through 2007 and a decent start to 2008, then a steady and deep dive in the third and fourth quarters to end last year, there is no doubt logical reason for uncertainty about how the market will play out for 2009 and beyond.
Starwood hotels & resorts to open its 1000th hotel
Jan 28, 09 1:53 am by ehotelier.com
From the American Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in San Diego, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces it will open its 1000th hotel in 2009. The milestone comes as part of the company's plan to open 100 hotels this year in diverse markets throughout the world.
Read more....click above
First Shangri-La in North America
by ehotelier.com - Jan 28, 09 1:52 am
With a ceremonial unlocking of the front door at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on January 24, 2009, General Manager Stephen Darling officially opened Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver. It is the first hotel in North America for the Asian-based luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and its 60th hotel worldwide.In attendance were the 190 men and women who will bring Shangri-La's renowned Asian hospitality to life in North America. Among them, the Shangri-La "Tigers," a group of young hoteliers placed in positions at the group's properties throughout Asia on training programs ranging from two months to two-and-a-half years, who are now leading the hotel's staff in delivering Shangri-La's distinctive style of service.Throughout their stay, guests will experience the touches and technology that define this "next generation" hotel. A calming sensory experience using light and sound will welcome guests; candlelight flickers along a back wall and natural light streams into a small bamboo garden while wind chimes, crickets and rustling grass provide soft background sounds. The traditional front desk has been eliminated and each guest is met individually and escorted to their room for private in-room check-in with Shangri-La welcome tea. Purpose-built for Shangri-La, the hotel's technology system is intuitive, responding easily to human touch - from proximity cards for guestroom access to a single remote control for the entire in-room entertainment system, which includes a 46 inch flat screen TV.Within the hotel, guests will be in the care of service professionals from around the world, among them a team of guest hospitality ambassadors who transition seamlessly throughout the hotel, playing many roles rather than serving in a fixed position. With one of the highest staff to guest room ratios in North America, personalized service will be a hallmark of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver.Distinct among the facilities and services of the 119-room hotel will be guestrooms that average 52 square meters (550 square feet) - among the largest in Canada; CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, the group's signature spa brand; MARKET by Jean-Georges, the first restaurant in Canada for three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; and intimate meeting space that includes the first private hotel screening room in Vancouver. Luxury finishings include d'Porthault linens in each guestroom, B&B Italia furniture in rooms and public spaces, Dedon outdoor furniture on guestroom balconies, crystal chandeliers commissioned from Italy and art chosen to suit each space occupied.Three design firms have come together to create a destination that integrates British Columbia's west coast style and Shangri-La's Asian heritage. Areas flow and transition from light and airy to dark and dramatic - from the hotel's lobby with three-story windows, sandstone floors and walls with Asian tables and vases to CHI with its low lighting, earth tones and teak and maple wood accented by handcrafted art pieces from Nepal.Set in Vancouver's downtown core at the intersection of West Georgia and Thurlow Street, the hotel occupies the first 15 floors of a new 61-story landmark building, a multi-purpose complex built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver building standards, incorporating innovative residential living, high-end retail shopping, signature restaurants and an outdoor public art space curated by the Vancouver Art Gallery. About Peterson Investment Group and Westbank Projects CorpVancouver-based Peterson Investment Group and Westbank Projects Corp. have jointly developed Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver. Together, Westbank and Peterson Group have developed or have under construction more than USD5 billion in projects representing approximately 1.39 million square meters (15 million square feet) of residential, retail, office and mixed-use projects. Their notable Vancouver icons include Living Shangri-La*, Shaw Tower and adjoining estates and the development of the legendary Woodward's property; in Toronto, Living Shangri-La, Toronto, which follows the Vancouver model and will include Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto, is scheduled to open in 2012. About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 60 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at http://www.shangri-la.com/ *The Living Shangri-La Residences are owned and being developed, offered and sold by Peterson Investment Group and Westbank Projects Corp. Neither Shangri-La International Hotel Management Limited, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts nor any of their affiliated companies, nor their respective officers, directors, agents or employees, are the owners, sellers, brokers, developers, issuers, underwriters or offerors of the Living Shangri-La Residences and nor are any of them an affiliate, partner, sales representative or agent of Peterson Investment Group or Westbank Projects Corp.
With a ceremonial unlocking of the front door at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on January 24, 2009, General Manager Stephen Darling officially opened Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver. It is the first hotel in North America for the Asian-based luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and its 60th hotel worldwide.In attendance were the 190 men and women who will bring Shangri-La's renowned Asian hospitality to life in North America. Among them, the Shangri-La "Tigers," a group of young hoteliers placed in positions at the group's properties throughout Asia on training programs ranging from two months to two-and-a-half years, who are now leading the hotel's staff in delivering Shangri-La's distinctive style of service.Throughout their stay, guests will experience the touches and technology that define this "next generation" hotel. A calming sensory experience using light and sound will welcome guests; candlelight flickers along a back wall and natural light streams into a small bamboo garden while wind chimes, crickets and rustling grass provide soft background sounds. The traditional front desk has been eliminated and each guest is met individually and escorted to their room for private in-room check-in with Shangri-La welcome tea. Purpose-built for Shangri-La, the hotel's technology system is intuitive, responding easily to human touch - from proximity cards for guestroom access to a single remote control for the entire in-room entertainment system, which includes a 46 inch flat screen TV.Within the hotel, guests will be in the care of service professionals from around the world, among them a team of guest hospitality ambassadors who transition seamlessly throughout the hotel, playing many roles rather than serving in a fixed position. With one of the highest staff to guest room ratios in North America, personalized service will be a hallmark of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver.Distinct among the facilities and services of the 119-room hotel will be guestrooms that average 52 square meters (550 square feet) - among the largest in Canada; CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, the group's signature spa brand; MARKET by Jean-Georges, the first restaurant in Canada for three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; and intimate meeting space that includes the first private hotel screening room in Vancouver. Luxury finishings include d'Porthault linens in each guestroom, B&B Italia furniture in rooms and public spaces, Dedon outdoor furniture on guestroom balconies, crystal chandeliers commissioned from Italy and art chosen to suit each space occupied.Three design firms have come together to create a destination that integrates British Columbia's west coast style and Shangri-La's Asian heritage. Areas flow and transition from light and airy to dark and dramatic - from the hotel's lobby with three-story windows, sandstone floors and walls with Asian tables and vases to CHI with its low lighting, earth tones and teak and maple wood accented by handcrafted art pieces from Nepal.Set in Vancouver's downtown core at the intersection of West Georgia and Thurlow Street, the hotel occupies the first 15 floors of a new 61-story landmark building, a multi-purpose complex built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver building standards, incorporating innovative residential living, high-end retail shopping, signature restaurants and an outdoor public art space curated by the Vancouver Art Gallery. About Peterson Investment Group and Westbank Projects CorpVancouver-based Peterson Investment Group and Westbank Projects Corp. have jointly developed Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver. Together, Westbank and Peterson Group have developed or have under construction more than USD5 billion in projects representing approximately 1.39 million square meters (15 million square feet) of residential, retail, office and mixed-use projects. Their notable Vancouver icons include Living Shangri-La*, Shaw Tower and adjoining estates and the development of the legendary Woodward's property; in Toronto, Living Shangri-La, Toronto, which follows the Vancouver model and will include Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto, is scheduled to open in 2012. About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 60 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at http://www.shangri-la.com/ *The Living Shangri-La Residences are owned and being developed, offered and sold by Peterson Investment Group and Westbank Projects Corp. Neither Shangri-La International Hotel Management Limited, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts nor any of their affiliated companies, nor their respective officers, directors, agents or employees, are the owners, sellers, brokers, developers, issuers, underwriters or offerors of the Living Shangri-La Residences and nor are any of them an affiliate, partner, sales representative or agent of Peterson Investment Group or Westbank Projects Corp.
China-based Dalian Wanda group appoints Hilton hotels corporation to manage five luxury and upscale hotels
Jan 27, 09 1:53 am from ehotelier.com
Jan 27, 09 1:53 am from ehotelier.com
China based Dalian Wanda Group, a major real estate developer, has announced that it has entered into a strategic relationship with Hilton Hotels Corporation to expand its footprint in the hotel industry in China. Hilton Hotels Corporation has been appointed to manage 5 hotels on behalf of subsidiaries of Dalian Wanda Group, which will own and develop the properties.
Read more ......click link...
Happy New Year of the Ox !
Happy Lunar New Year of the OX !To all our Clients - Business Associates and Friends in China !
Bank of Canada sees 4.8 percent contraction in first quarter
30 minutes ago - Reuters By Louise Egan
OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian economy will contract by an exceptionally sharp 4.8 percent in the first quarter of this year and continue to shrink through mid-year, but the recovery will be swifter than in the past two recessions, the Bank of Canada said on Thursday.
Signaling the economy is now in the most dramatic part of the downturn, the central bank said gross domestic product likely shrank by an annualized 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and would decline by 1 percent in the second quarter of this year before returning to growth.
"The projected return to balance of the Canadian economy is faster than either of the recoveries following the 1981-82 and 1990-92 recessions," it said in its quarterly economic outlook. It said the growing output gap would not be eliminated until mid-2011 but this would be about a year or more faster than in the past, partly because inflation expectations are better anchored and the central bank has therefore been able to cut interest rates to lower levels.
On Tuesday, it dropped its overnight rate by one-half point to a 50-year low of 1 percent. "In addition, Canada enters this recession with greater fiscal flexibility and stronger corporate balance sheets than in the recession of the 1990s," the bank said.
Its projections of three quarters of recession this time contrasted with six quarters in 1981-82 and four quarters of contraction in the early 1990s.
The bank repeated its projection of falling prices in the second and third quarters but suggested there was no evidence of persistent deflationary pressure. Core inflation, which excludes volatile items and guides monetary policy decisions, will remain below its 2 percent target for all of 2009. Both total inflation and core inflation will return to 2 percent in the first half of 2011.
Credit conditions in Canada remain better than in other major economies, the bank said, although it sees weak demand and tighter conditions leading to weaker growth in lending to businesses in the months ahead. Lending to households has slowed modestly but is still growing at a rate well above the historical average, it said.
One of its assumptions in its base-case projection is that the Canadian dollar would be worth 82 U.S. cents on average, or $1 equaling C$1.22.
Marriott International to open seven hotels in India in 2009
Marriott International to open seven hotels in India in 2009
Jan 22, 09 1:53 am from ehotelier.com
Marriott International is on track to open seven hotels, adding new 1,561 rooms, in India this year, said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging. These new openings will offer employment opportunities in the hospitality sector across the country.
"Despite the global economic slowdown and pockets of political unrest, India's tourism sector continues to demonstrate encouraging resilience," Mr. Fuller said. "Since our Global Sales Office opened in India a little more than five years ago, total room night sales have increased over 500 percent and all our existing hotels in the country are performing to expectation. The country's rapidly expanding middle class and buying power, growing industrial infrastructure, rich cultural heritage and natural attractions are all combining to make India a strong inbound and outbound tourism market in which we are delighted to be a part."
Mr. Fuller said that the hotel openings are creating a wealth of opportunity for career-minded individuals who want to enter the hotel industry.
"We anticipate needing approximately 2,000 individuals across all operational and marketing disciplines to staff these seven hotels in the coming months," he said. "Because we tend to promote from within, these hotels will offer an unprecedented opportunity especially for those who are just getting started." He noted that approximately 50 percent of Marriott's leadership at the property level began their careers in line level positions and that Marriott India ranked "5th best company to work for in India," in a recent study, up from 11th position in 2007.
"We put a lot of emphasis on training at all levels of the organization and offer hundreds of training courses annually for both hourly associates and managers across the globe. These courses are taught by certified trainers, professional experts and property-based management," Mr. Fuller continued. "Some courses are self-directed and include internet-based learning. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all our associates receive the training necessary in their discipline to help develop their careers while benefiting our guests."
Marriott's new hotels will represent three of the company's six international lodging brands, namely:
In the luxury segment:
The 320-room JW Marriott Hotel Bangalore
In the upscale, deluxe segment:
The 426-room Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
In the upper-moderate segment, five new Courtyard by Marriott hotels:
199-room Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon
153-room Courtyard by Marriott West Pune
193-roomCourtyard by Marriott Hyderabad
164-room Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad
299-room Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport
The additional hotels were previously announced and will open under long-term management contracts. When opened, they will more than double the Marriott International hotel brands portfolio in India, which today consists of six operating properties. Another 14 previously announced hotels are expected to open in India through 2012 as part of Marriott International's global pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development. The company's current pipeline represents approximately 130,000 rooms worldwide.
Attracting MICE market key part of Marriott's sales strategy
Mr. Fuller indicated that a key component of Marriott International's success in 2009 and beyond is the Meetings Incentives Conference & Events (MICE) segment.
"Since our beginning as a hotel company in 1957, we've been recognized as a leader in hosting large groups and conferences, especially in the United States," he said. "And now, our portfolio of hotels designed specifically to cater to this market has begun to grow significantly throughout the world including in India."
Examples of Marriott International hotels that are designed to host big meetings in India include the recently expanded Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Center; the existing, recently refurbished Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and the Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Center which opens later this year.
Outside of India, the Hong Kong Sky City Marriott Hotel, Renaissance Tianjin TEDA Hotel in China, the Rome Park Marriott Hotel in Italy, the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel in France, the Cairo Marriott Hotel in Egypt, Beijing Marriott City Wall Hotel in China and the Grosvenor House Hotel in London rank among prime Marriott International-branded large conference venues.
"In today's uncertain economic times, companies and professional groups want to gather their teams, members and customers together to address new strategies or reward performance," he said. "Our JW Marriott-. Marriott- and Renaissance-branded hotels "know" meetings. We have the hotel product, the conference planner support infrastructure, the catering and events expertise, the e-Tools on Marriott.com and other on-line training programs to help our customers get the most value out of their investment in the events they book with us."
Expanding Marriott International portfolio in Thailand attracts Indian travelers
Mr. Fuller said that Thailand is among the fastest growing destinations for Indian travelers.
"Last year, we registered at 24 percent increase of Indian visitors to Thailand. Many were attracted by the introduction of our new, upper moderately priced Courtyard hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Hua Hin. Besides being a great hotel product offering great value, our Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Thailand offer our exciting new restaurant concept, MoMo Café which serves up a personable dining experience with its open bar and kitchen and its blending of local and western cuisines, and the popular KidsWorld, a complimentary child care amenity offered at our Courtyard hotels in resort destinations," he said.
In addition to the seven hotels listed above as opening in 2009, Marriott International will open properties in Kolkata New Town, Amritsar, Noida, Chennai and Chandigargh, as well as additional properties in Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore and Gurgaon in India now through 2012.
Currently operating in India are the following Marriott International-branded hotels:
JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai, Goa Marriott Resort, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Center, Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, and the Lakeside Chalet Marriott Executive Apartments in Mumbai.About Marriott International
Marriott International is a leading lodging company with over 3,100 lodging properties in 68 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2007 yearend. It is ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE magazine, and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2007 Sustained Excellence Award and Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2007, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com.
Smart marketing is like smart weapons -
We visited, photographed and wrote over 30 hotels last year and covered many more through press releases and ‘miniviews’.Our Reviews are in-depth, covering all aspects of the design and functionality only found through staying within the property.
We featured hotels from 8 countries and all are still there as part of the Review Archive, collecting readers in a design sourcebook.
In total we have 92 Reviews reaching as far back as 2001; the current one is of the Dwór Orliwski, Gdansk (Poland) for those who missed the last Editorial.
With our Suppliers Directory, Designers, Architects, Hoteliers and Specifiers are able to locate relevant information on new products within one site, through our Industry News section and popular Newsletters delivered straight to their inbox every day.
For Directory companies, the Marketing Information supplied on a monthly basis aids electronic marketing in a cost-effective way, especially since adding the Hotel Development list. So see the end to ‘spray and pray’ advertising in print magazines. Send your marketing to named individuals within companies you think will use your services.
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00:02:41 Time on Site
140,180 people visited this site
221,845 Visits
140,180 Absolute Unique Visitors
1,170,261 Page Views
5.28 Average Page Views
00:02:41 Time on Site
Compared to other magazines on the web, (figures from Google Analytics) HotelDesigns has:
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More people open email marketing than direct mail
· 165% more visitor than the average
· 314% more pages read than the average
· 56% more pages read on each visit
More people open email marketing than direct mail
(16% for email marketing against 1% for direct mail).
So we have:
· the best coverage
· the most comprehensive coverage
· the best photography of hotel interiors
· more video
· more coverage of hotel products
· more subscribers to our email new product services
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But we offer more than this. To find out more about our services, and how you might benefit contact: lorraine.cunliffe@hoteldesigns.net.
Go green – using email marketing saves energy, envelopes, postage, delivery carbon and paper.
Carlson to add 50 properties in India by 2011
Carlson to add 50 properties in India by 2011
Jan 20, 09 1:55 am from ehotelier.com
Jan 20, 09 1:55 am from ehotelier.com
Carlson Hotels has confirmed that it plans to add more than 50 properties, or over 6000 rooms, to its India portfolio by 2011. The rooms will be spread across four Carlson brands - Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. The India expansion is part of the group's strategy to double its regional presence in Asia Pacific over the next four years.
This year alone, Carlson Hotels Worldwide has ambitious plans to open several hotels in major gateway cities in India including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kolkata and Bangalore.
"Carlson is currently the largest international hotel operator in India. We are looking to leverage on this leadership position by growing our managed properties portfolio in the long-term through strategic partnerships," said K.B Kachru, Executive Vice President - South-Asia, Carlson Hotels Worldwide.
"India represents about 70% of our hotels currently under development across the region and will remain our core growth market along with China, Thailand and the South Pacific. Our brands have also gained strong visibility in India through a number of high-profile award-wins and resonate well with investors."
India was the first regional market where Carlson launched its Park Inn brand. There are currently two Park Inn properties in operation, with another five Park Inn properties under development - Park Inn Gurgaon, Park Inn Ludhiana, Park Inn & Suites Bangalore, Park Inn Jaipur Jai Singh Highway and Park Inn Delhi CBD Shahdara. The group also plans to bring its luxury Regent brand to the country over the next two years.
"Although we are currently experiencing challenging economic conditions, in the long-term, a growing number of Indians are expected to enjoy unprecedented levels of affluence. It is therefore important that our acclaimed luxury brand Regent, is represented in this fast-growing market," added Kachru.
There are currently nine Regent hotels under development worldwide, of which five are in Asia Pacific. The focus will be to continue to grow in key gateway cities and major resort locations in the region that align with the strategic plans of the brand.
Overall, Carlson Hotels Worldwide has about 12,000 rooms under development across the region, including India.
Tallest Renaissance Hotel Worldwide Opens in Shanghai, China
The Tallest Renaissance Hotel Worldwide Opens in Shanghai.Read more ..... http://www.hoteldesigns.net/industrynews/news_5230.html
China's think tank forecasts 8.3% GDP growth in 2009
China's think tank forecasts 8.3% GDP growth in 2009
(Xinhua)Updated: 2009-01-19 16:33
(Xinhua)Updated: 2009-01-19 16:33
China's GDP growth is expected to drop to 8.3 percent in 2009, the country's major think tank said Monday in a report.
The report, issued by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), predicted China's economy would slowdown in the first half year due to the unfavorable international economic environment.
The report also said that the unprecedented stimulus package of 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) will poise China for an early recovery in the third quarter.
The government set the goal of 8 percent growth this year at the Central Economic Work Conference held on Dec 8, 2008.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) predicted last week that China's GDP growth would slow to 8.4 percent in 2009.
The CAS report also predicted that the primary, secondary and tertiary industries will expand at 5 percent, 9.8 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.
The Chinese economy will face heavy pressure in terms of exports this year due to the recession, the report said. The growth rate of exports and imports is expected to drop to 6.5 percent and 4.6 percent respectively.
Total trade for 2008 was $2.56 trillion, up 17.8 percent from 2007. The total included $1.43 trillion in exports, up 17.2 percent, and $1.13 trillion in imports, up 18.5 percent, figures from the General Administration of Customs showed.
Obama's half brother performs in China
SHENZHEN– The news release didn't say who Mark Ndesandjo was. Nor did the posters and e-mails promoting the concert Friday in this southern Chinese boomtown where he played piano to raise money for orphans.
Mark Ndesandjo, the intensely private half-brother of President-elect Barack Obama, plays the piano to raise money for orphans during a charity concert in Shenzhen, southern China, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. [Agencies]
Mark Ndesandjo, the intensely private half-brother of President-elect Barack Obama, plays the piano to raise money for orphans during a charity concert in Shenzhen, southern China, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. [Agencies]
Thousands of stores to disappear in '09
The reality sets in.
Read more....click
http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/31/news/economy/retail_closures/index.htm?postversion=2009010120
Read more....click
http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/31/news/economy/retail_closures/index.htm?postversion=2009010120
The Radisson SAS Berlin
The Radisson SAS Berlin.......read all about it at :http://www.hoteldesigns.net/review/review_399_1.html
China: World's third-largest economy
BEIJING (Reuters)
China on Wednesday revised up the country's gross domestic product growth for 2007 to 13% from 11.9%, leapfrogging Germany in the process to become the world's third-largest economy.
The revised growth rate, announced by the National Bureau of Statistics, was the fastest since 1993, when the economy expanded 13.5%.
The statistics office had already updated its estimate of 2007 growth last April from an initial reading of 11.4%. In a statement on its Web site, it said this second revision would be the final one.
Sherman Chan, an economist at Moody's Economy.com, said the strong number was unlikely to shake sentiment in the market, which is penciling in a marked moderation in growth this year.
"First, the change in GDP estimates for two years ago will not alter the economy's near-term outlook. The only effect is perhaps negative, as a stronger 2007 would make the 2008 slowdown more upsetting," Chan said in a report.
"For 2009, a further slowdown is projected, as the global economy remains in a dismal state, hurting China's export-related businesses, which have been the bread winner for the country," she added.
The NBS is due to announce 2008 GDP data next week.
Forecasts of economists polled by Reuters center on growth for the fourth quarter of 7% from a year earlier, which would be a nine-year low.
Still, the updated 2007 figures give China the right to brag that only the United States and Japan now have bigger economies.
Using the World Bank's official estimates of the size of economies, China was already snapping at Germany's heels before Wednesday's revision.
The World Bank uses Gross National Income (GNI) converted to dollars using the Atlas method, which takes a three-year moving average for the exchange rate.
China now estimates that the total value of goods and services in 2007 was 3.1% higher than previously thought.
Applying this increase to the World Bank's published rankings gives China a GNI of $3.218 trillion for 2007 compared with $3.197 trillion for Germany -- a modest lead, but one that will have widened considerably in 2008.
GNI takes into account all production in the domestic economy plus net flows of income from abroad such as profits and wages.
China might have a big economy, but it is still a relatively poor country. On the Atlas methodology, the United States had income per head of $46,040 in 2007, while China's was just $2,360.
Before the latest revisions, the World Bank put it in 132nd place in its global income tables per capita.
Taking account of Wednesday's revision leaves China slightly better off than Cape Verde but poorer than Guatemala.
The World Bank argues that measuring the value of output using purchasing power parity, rather than market exchange rates, provides a better measure of relative standards of living.
By this yardstick, too, China is still poor, with per capita income in 2007 -- prior to the latest revisions -- of $5,370 compared with $45,850 in the United States.
The NBS revised upward its estimate of output in all sectors of the economy in 2007.
Based on the new data, Chan at Moody's Economy.com calculated that industry and construction grew by 14.7% in 2007, services by 13.8% and agriculture by 3.7%.
The overall value of Chinese GDP in 2007 was 25.73 trillion yuan, according to the NBS, up 777.6 billion yuan from its previous estimate.
That is equivalent to $3.765 trillion at today's exchange rates, or just under $2,900 per head of China's estimated population of 1.3 billion.
The revised growth rate, announced by the National Bureau of Statistics, was the fastest since 1993, when the economy expanded 13.5%.
The statistics office had already updated its estimate of 2007 growth last April from an initial reading of 11.4%. In a statement on its Web site, it said this second revision would be the final one.
Sherman Chan, an economist at Moody's Economy.com, said the strong number was unlikely to shake sentiment in the market, which is penciling in a marked moderation in growth this year.
"First, the change in GDP estimates for two years ago will not alter the economy's near-term outlook. The only effect is perhaps negative, as a stronger 2007 would make the 2008 slowdown more upsetting," Chan said in a report.
"For 2009, a further slowdown is projected, as the global economy remains in a dismal state, hurting China's export-related businesses, which have been the bread winner for the country," she added.
The NBS is due to announce 2008 GDP data next week.
Forecasts of economists polled by Reuters center on growth for the fourth quarter of 7% from a year earlier, which would be a nine-year low.
Still, the updated 2007 figures give China the right to brag that only the United States and Japan now have bigger economies.
Using the World Bank's official estimates of the size of economies, China was already snapping at Germany's heels before Wednesday's revision.
The World Bank uses Gross National Income (GNI) converted to dollars using the Atlas method, which takes a three-year moving average for the exchange rate.
China now estimates that the total value of goods and services in 2007 was 3.1% higher than previously thought.
Applying this increase to the World Bank's published rankings gives China a GNI of $3.218 trillion for 2007 compared with $3.197 trillion for Germany -- a modest lead, but one that will have widened considerably in 2008.
GNI takes into account all production in the domestic economy plus net flows of income from abroad such as profits and wages.
China might have a big economy, but it is still a relatively poor country. On the Atlas methodology, the United States had income per head of $46,040 in 2007, while China's was just $2,360.
Before the latest revisions, the World Bank put it in 132nd place in its global income tables per capita.
Taking account of Wednesday's revision leaves China slightly better off than Cape Verde but poorer than Guatemala.
The World Bank argues that measuring the value of output using purchasing power parity, rather than market exchange rates, provides a better measure of relative standards of living.
By this yardstick, too, China is still poor, with per capita income in 2007 -- prior to the latest revisions -- of $5,370 compared with $45,850 in the United States.
The NBS revised upward its estimate of output in all sectors of the economy in 2007.
Based on the new data, Chan at Moody's Economy.com calculated that industry and construction grew by 14.7% in 2007, services by 13.8% and agriculture by 3.7%.
The overall value of Chinese GDP in 2007 was 25.73 trillion yuan, according to the NBS, up 777.6 billion yuan from its previous estimate.
That is equivalent to $3.765 trillion at today's exchange rates, or just under $2,900 per head of China's estimated population of 1.3 billion.
Consistent closing times coming to Vancouver
By Chris McGregor
VANCOUVER—Allowing bars and restaurants to remain open until 1am every night of the week is on council's agenda later this month.
Read More:
Go To:
http://www.can-restaurantnews.com/content/publish/pacific/Consistent_closing_times_coming_to_Vancouver.shtml
VANCOUVER—Allowing bars and restaurants to remain open until 1am every night of the week is on council's agenda later this month.
Read More:
Go To:
http://www.can-restaurantnews.com/content/publish/pacific/Consistent_closing_times_coming_to_Vancouver.shtml
River Rock plans include Vegas-style circular escalator
RICHMOND, BC
Vancouver’s only resort casino is undergoing a renovation that will totally revamp its foodservice operations, add elements of Las Vegas to its common areas, and almost double its room count starting in 2010. Add the fact that the Vancouver Skytrain rapid transit system will soon stop right across the road, and it’s no wonder Howard Blank is enthusiastic and optimistic when he talks about the changes at the River Rock Casino Resort.
To read more, click:
http://www.can-lodgingnews.com/artman2/publish/January2009/Features/River_Rock_plans_include_Vegas-style_circular_escalator.shtml
Vancouver’s only resort casino is undergoing a renovation that will totally revamp its foodservice operations, add elements of Las Vegas to its common areas, and almost double its room count starting in 2010. Add the fact that the Vancouver Skytrain rapid transit system will soon stop right across the road, and it’s no wonder Howard Blank is enthusiastic and optimistic when he talks about the changes at the River Rock Casino Resort.
To read more, click:
http://www.can-lodgingnews.com/artman2/publish/January2009/Features/River_Rock_plans_include_Vegas-style_circular_escalator.shtml
The information and sourcing site for professionals in the worldwide hotel design, development, refurbishment and construction industryNews Update 218
12th January 2009 A supplement to the magEzine@HotelDesigns.net
Hotel News:
Hotels: Las Vegas Encore Open
Hotels: A Look at the MGM GRAND Macau
6th Jan - Hilton Hotels Corporation to Develop 13 Hilton Garden Inn Hotels Across Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
7th Jan - Rezidor Announces the Radisson Hotel & Resort, Sohar/Oman
7th Jan - West Miami Hotel Joins Doubletree Brand As Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel & Exhibition Center
8th Jan - Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to Manage Pinheirinho, a Hyatt Golf and Beach Resort
8th Jan - New Resort In Northern Europe’s Leading Ski Paradise
9th Jan - Rezidor Announces Two New Hotels in Antwerp/Belgium
10th Jan - Groundbreaking for St. Regis Resort and Residences Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
11th Jan - Hotels: A Look at the MGM GRAND Macau
11th Jan - New Project in Egypt: Zamalek Island, Cairo
12th Jan - Hotels: Las Vegas Encore Open
Product News:
6th Jan - Besselink & Jones: IP Rated Bathroom Lights to Be Launched At London Design Week
7th Jan - Cushion Couture Exhibit at Interiors Birmingham; NEC 18 – 21 Jan 09
8th Jan - Bathroom Accessories: Never Drill Again!
9th Jan - ShellShock Designs: Glass Mosaic Artwork
10th Jan - Ramparts Awarded Scottish Refurbishment Contract
12th Jan - New from Andy Thornton: DISCO ZEN
Design Club News:
6th Jan - Growth Properties Hospitality Management Signs New Agreement
6th Jan - STR reports U.S. hotel performance for November 2008
7th Jan - STR Reports U.S. Hotel Performance for the Week Ending 20 December 2008
8th Jan - First Conrad Hotel to Launch in Kingdom Of Bahrain
8th Jan - Latest results for HotStats UK Chain Hotels Market - UK hotel profit drops by 14 per cent
9th Jan - STR reports U.S. hotel performance for the week ending 3 January 2009
10th Jan - Management Agreement Signed for Hilton Salvador Da Bahia
12th Jan - Luxury hotel to be restored in Salgótarján, Hungary
The Lansdowne Building, 2 Lansdowne Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 2ER T: +44 (0) 208 263 6040 F: +44 (0) 208 263 6100 office@hoteldesigns.net www.hoteldesigns.net
Company registered in England # 03904934 - Hotel Designs 5 Bayards, Upper Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9BP
Green Ming Marble
This is " GREEN MING".
At the time of writing this information, there are available 57 Slabs with approximate Dimensions: 170x95x 2cm .
Interested parties, please apply to FF+E Inc for pricing and further details.
Your show must go on and we are here to help you move on!
We are in the manufacturing and supply of FF+E [Furniture Fixtures & Equipment] to the Hospitality Industry i.e. Hotels, Casinos, Resorts, Motels etc. With the world economy as it stands today, most up-grading, re-furnishing and new project budgets have been downsized. We appreciate the perimeters the potential clients have to now work with and to still maintain and achieve their best of the new goals set. The show must go on and realistically, what other better time than now to pursue these projects and capitalize on the market conditions. Our furniture designers are in the UK, we manufacture in China and shipping rates have come down to most destinations.
We are here to help our potential clients achieve their FF+E budgets with their wish list, guaranteed better quality and scheduled shipments. Basically, we have to work harder and to price smarter to stay in the game until premiums return again. But for now, how do we spread the news that ‘Your show must go on and we are here to help you move on’.
We are here to help our potential clients achieve their FF+E budgets with their wish list, guaranteed better quality and scheduled shipments. Basically, we have to work harder and to price smarter to stay in the game until premiums return again. But for now, how do we spread the news that ‘Your show must go on and we are here to help you move on’.
RonSim [FF+E Furniture Fixtures & Equipment Inc, Vancouver B.C.]
Chinese workers leaving cities in droves ......
Chinese workers leaving cities in droves......
The global economic crisis eliminates jobs that were supposed to be these workers' path out of poverty.
Last Updated: December 30, 2008: 11:42 AM ET
CHENGDU, China (Reuters) -- China's ocean of blue-collar workers is streaming back to the country's farming hinterland, bringing thwarted aspirations and rising discontent in tow as their city jobs, their paths out of poverty, fall victim to the global economic crisis.
Train K192 is a daily conduit of the reversing flow.
Every afternoon it pulls into Chengdu, capital of populous Sichuan province, after a 31-hour trip from Guangzhou, center of China's once-thriving export heartland.
Hundreds of weary passengers, some of whom stand through the entire journey because seats are sold out, straggle into the gray light of the Chengdu winter and an uncertain future.
"Lots of factories have closed. Mine shut about three months ago. There was nothing to do, so I came home," said Wu Hao, 21, sporting a stylish striped sweater and a sleek metal suitcase.
After a year spent making circuit boards in Guangzhou, he was heading back to his family's patch of farmland, a full month before the Chinese new year when he would usually visit home.
Officials estimate that more than 10 million migrant laborers have already returned to the countryside as thousands of companies have been dragged under by weak global demand for everything from clothes to cars.
The government, always concerned about social instability, is now on high alert, fearful of the consequences of a huge mass of jobless, disappointed, rootless young men.
Beijing has urged firms to avoid cutting jobs despite falling profits, and many bosses have obliged by retaining workers but giving them unpaid leave.
"Sales were really bad and the boss just kept giving us holidays. We had 15 days off last month," said Tan Jun, who also clambered off train K192 in Chengdu. "Next year I won't go back."
With an impish smile, Tan looked more like a student than the factory hand he had been for a drug company in Dongguan, an industrial city next to Guangzhou.
'Menace to stability'
Over the past three decades, about 130 million people have left China's countryside for the smokestacks, assembly lines and construction sites of cities.
That migration, described as the world's biggest ever by the United Nations, has underpinned the country's heady growth and also given its poorest citizens a share of the spoils, as urban residents' incomes are much higher than farmers'.
Known as China's "floating population", laborers rarely settle permanently where they work -- effectively prohibited from doing so by residency rules -- and return in droves to their hometowns for the Chinese lunar new year.
State media have put the best possible gloss on the in-bound tide of migrants under way: they are simply returning home early, one month ahead of the Year of the Ox which begins on Jan. 26.
But China is heading into uncharted territory and the picture could deteriorate quickly. Many economists forecast growth next year of less than 7.5%, the country's lowest since 1990 and a level that would swell the ranks of the jobless.
"The redistribution of wealth through theft and robbery could dramatically increase and menaces to social stability will grow," Zhou Tianyong, a leading Communist Party scholar, wrote this month in a newspaper issued by a state think-tank.
Workers and officials alike hope the migration reversal is only temporary, but the numbers are too vast to ignore. The social security ministry says 10% of all migrants have already gone back to the countryside.
New economy?
China, in the short term at least, is pinning its hopes on a smooth absorption of the returnees.
"We expect that there will be a big change early next year, probably in March or April," said Wang Min, a director at the Yuhui Labour Market in Chengdu. "A lot of people will stay here in Sichuan to look for work and not go to other provinces."
If so, they could be redrawing China's economic map.
Coastal provinces have long been the wealthiest in China and the main destination for migrants. But they have borne the brunt of falling exports, while the country's poorer hinterland is more closely tied to domestic fortunes that could rise on the back of a hefty government stimulus spending.
"We are seeing quite a few good, talented people come our way from Guangdong, people with business experience and skills," said Wei Chengyi, manager at Chengdu Doulton Trading Co., which sells ceramic filters. "It's a big help for us."
Unveiling its rural policy priorities for next year, the government said on Sunday that it will encourage unemployed people who return home to start their own businesses. Officials in Chongqing and Henan, two big sources of migrants, have already pledged to lend seed money.
Reconstruction after the devastating earthquake centered on Sichuan this year has also created a huge need for labor that will sop up some of the floating population.
"I'm not worried. There are still places you can find a job. And when you've got a lot of friends, it's quite easy," said Long Zhaojun, who had spent nearly four years in coastal factories.
Just off the train in Chengdu, Long said he would stay in the bustling city of 10 million for a while to hunt for jobs and have some fun. He was in no rush to return to his farming village.
The global economic crisis eliminates jobs that were supposed to be these workers' path out of poverty.
Last Updated: December 30, 2008: 11:42 AM ET
CHENGDU, China (Reuters) -- China's ocean of blue-collar workers is streaming back to the country's farming hinterland, bringing thwarted aspirations and rising discontent in tow as their city jobs, their paths out of poverty, fall victim to the global economic crisis.
Train K192 is a daily conduit of the reversing flow.
Every afternoon it pulls into Chengdu, capital of populous Sichuan province, after a 31-hour trip from Guangzhou, center of China's once-thriving export heartland.
Hundreds of weary passengers, some of whom stand through the entire journey because seats are sold out, straggle into the gray light of the Chengdu winter and an uncertain future.
"Lots of factories have closed. Mine shut about three months ago. There was nothing to do, so I came home," said Wu Hao, 21, sporting a stylish striped sweater and a sleek metal suitcase.
After a year spent making circuit boards in Guangzhou, he was heading back to his family's patch of farmland, a full month before the Chinese new year when he would usually visit home.
Officials estimate that more than 10 million migrant laborers have already returned to the countryside as thousands of companies have been dragged under by weak global demand for everything from clothes to cars.
The government, always concerned about social instability, is now on high alert, fearful of the consequences of a huge mass of jobless, disappointed, rootless young men.
Beijing has urged firms to avoid cutting jobs despite falling profits, and many bosses have obliged by retaining workers but giving them unpaid leave.
"Sales were really bad and the boss just kept giving us holidays. We had 15 days off last month," said Tan Jun, who also clambered off train K192 in Chengdu. "Next year I won't go back."
With an impish smile, Tan looked more like a student than the factory hand he had been for a drug company in Dongguan, an industrial city next to Guangzhou.
'Menace to stability'
Over the past three decades, about 130 million people have left China's countryside for the smokestacks, assembly lines and construction sites of cities.
That migration, described as the world's biggest ever by the United Nations, has underpinned the country's heady growth and also given its poorest citizens a share of the spoils, as urban residents' incomes are much higher than farmers'.
Known as China's "floating population", laborers rarely settle permanently where they work -- effectively prohibited from doing so by residency rules -- and return in droves to their hometowns for the Chinese lunar new year.
State media have put the best possible gloss on the in-bound tide of migrants under way: they are simply returning home early, one month ahead of the Year of the Ox which begins on Jan. 26.
But China is heading into uncharted territory and the picture could deteriorate quickly. Many economists forecast growth next year of less than 7.5%, the country's lowest since 1990 and a level that would swell the ranks of the jobless.
"The redistribution of wealth through theft and robbery could dramatically increase and menaces to social stability will grow," Zhou Tianyong, a leading Communist Party scholar, wrote this month in a newspaper issued by a state think-tank.
Workers and officials alike hope the migration reversal is only temporary, but the numbers are too vast to ignore. The social security ministry says 10% of all migrants have already gone back to the countryside.
New economy?
China, in the short term at least, is pinning its hopes on a smooth absorption of the returnees.
"We expect that there will be a big change early next year, probably in March or April," said Wang Min, a director at the Yuhui Labour Market in Chengdu. "A lot of people will stay here in Sichuan to look for work and not go to other provinces."
If so, they could be redrawing China's economic map.
Coastal provinces have long been the wealthiest in China and the main destination for migrants. But they have borne the brunt of falling exports, while the country's poorer hinterland is more closely tied to domestic fortunes that could rise on the back of a hefty government stimulus spending.
"We are seeing quite a few good, talented people come our way from Guangdong, people with business experience and skills," said Wei Chengyi, manager at Chengdu Doulton Trading Co., which sells ceramic filters. "It's a big help for us."
Unveiling its rural policy priorities for next year, the government said on Sunday that it will encourage unemployed people who return home to start their own businesses. Officials in Chongqing and Henan, two big sources of migrants, have already pledged to lend seed money.
Reconstruction after the devastating earthquake centered on Sichuan this year has also created a huge need for labor that will sop up some of the floating population.
"I'm not worried. There are still places you can find a job. And when you've got a lot of friends, it's quite easy," said Long Zhaojun, who had spent nearly four years in coastal factories.
Just off the train in Chengdu, Long said he would stay in the bustling city of 10 million for a while to hunt for jobs and have some fun. He was in no rush to return to his farming village.
Hotel Project Abandonment Soars In U.S.
Hotel Project Abandonment Soars In U.S. As Total Development Pipeline Increases.
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Design Northwest
Exciting News!
For almost 10 years Design Northwest has occurred simultaneously with The BC Construction Show/Homebuilder & Renovator Expo and Buildex Vancouver — successful expositions for Construction and Real Estate Management respectively. This co-location has encouraged valuable networking, synergies and collaboration between the complementary industries of Interior Design/Architecture, Construction and Real Estate Management. Growing success of this three-in-one format, valuable feedback from our participants and our desire to GREEN this conference has encouraged us to take this co-location one step further.
We are pleased to announce BUILDEX as the working brand for all four of the above-mentioned shows! In the future you can expect the same great conference and exposition for the Design/Architecrural, Construction and Real Estate Management Industries, but with only one name: BUILDEX.
“BUILDEX Vancouver is about designing, building and managing real estate.”
See you February 11 – 12, 2009!
For almost 10 years Design Northwest has occurred simultaneously with The BC Construction Show/Homebuilder & Renovator Expo and Buildex Vancouver — successful expositions for Construction and Real Estate Management respectively. This co-location has encouraged valuable networking, synergies and collaboration between the complementary industries of Interior Design/Architecture, Construction and Real Estate Management. Growing success of this three-in-one format, valuable feedback from our participants and our desire to GREEN this conference has encouraged us to take this co-location one step further.
We are pleased to announce BUILDEX as the working brand for all four of the above-mentioned shows! In the future you can expect the same great conference and exposition for the Design/Architecrural, Construction and Real Estate Management Industries, but with only one name: BUILDEX.
“BUILDEX Vancouver is about designing, building and managing real estate.”
See you February 11 – 12, 2009!
17th China International Furniture Fair
17th China International Furniture Fair
GuangzhouChina International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou), a show ever known as the barometer of Chinese furniture industry, enjoys a reputation of being the Asia's furniture sourcing center. The biannual exhibition has grown to be a must-attend event attracting increasing attention from the world furniture industry. In March 2005, the CIFF succeeded in taking place at two stages in terms of product categories, that is, with home furniture showcased on the first stage and with office furniture displayed on the second stage. The total exhibiting space at two stages reached up to 250,000 sqm, and approximately 1500 companies participated at the events. After splitting into two stages by product nature, the CIFF managed to accommodate more quality companies' participation, to diversify its product profile to meet buyers' needs. The CIFF 2005 March was visited by 99134 trade buyers, including 22400 overseas counterparts from over 154 countries and regions. With 2 stages in 1 show, the CIFF provides a broader and more specialized platform with a stronger driving force for furniture players worldwide.
Continuous Growth in Size and Quality Attracts More buyers to CIFF2006 In March 2006,
the CIFF continues to be running on the two stages in one show. The 1st stage will be scheduled on March 18¡ª21, concentrating on home furniture, i.e. modern and classical furniture while the second stage will be held on March 27¡ª30, showcasing office furniture and commercial furniture respectively. The Homedecor and Housewares China 2006 will take place in conjunction with the home furniture show on the 1st stage. Meanwhile Interzum Guangzhou and Hometextile China are set in conjunction with the 2nd stage of CIFF2006. The CIFF2006 will strive to adjust product structures and further categorize product lines based on buyers' needs and market developments. An evaluating system will be implemented in order to ensure the quality standards of exhibitors and their products. At the CIFF2006, buyers will see more international companies and local exhibitors with original design and innovative artwork. As to office furniture show, a bigger range of commercial and business furniture will be added in the product profile to adapt to the market change. The CIFF office furniture show sets its objective to be the best show of the same kind in Asia with world-class standard.
Time: March 18-21, 2006 (1st Phase:Home Furniture)
March 27-30, 2006 (2nd Phase:Office Furniture)
Location
Chinese Export Commodities Fair Pazhou ComplexFor more information,
please visit http://www.ciff-gz.com/EN/
Furniture West makes big splash in Vegas
Terry Clark, Guy Hodgins, Jeet Dhindsa and Nadir Materali were the first four furniture manufacturers from Western Canadian
to take part in Furniture West’s initiative at the World Market Centre in Las Vegas.
Furniture West makes big splash in Vegas
Written by Michael J. Knell
LAS VEGAS - For four small manufacturers from Western Canada, coming to the summer market here for the first time was akin to getting a shot of B12. It put a spring in their steps, despite the turndown at retail that's being reported throughout North America.
Acme Chrome, Buhler Furniture, Cirey Furniture and Van Gogh Designs all took part in a new program organized by Furniture West, the regional factory association based in Winnipeg.
The scheme was a simple one: bring together a small group of innovative furniture factories from across Western Canada, have them show their newest product designs in a space manned by company principals and executives. The World Market Center was chosen as the host venue because of its increasing popularity as a destination market for independent furniture retailers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
And as added bonus, they would get to meet U.S. and international retail buyers as well.
"For us, it was excellent," said Guy Hodgins, vice president of sales and marketing for occasional case goods resource Buhler Furniture. "The association did a lot more than achieve its initial goal."
Although most of the business media reported that the summer Las Vegas market was quieter than its predecessors, the four reported not only good traffic but good response to the product being shown.
"The response and written orders were well above our expectations," said Terry Clark, president of metal casual dining specialist Acme Chrome.
"I was also surprised by the level of attendance from the east coast," he added. "If there was a disappointing factor it was Western Canada. We saw a number of retailers from Western Canada, but not at the levels I expected."
This was surprising because retail in Western Canada - driven as it is by oil, gas and other natural resources - is probably the most economically healthy region of North America at the moment. Retail in those provinces remains strong, particularly when compared to eastern Canada and the U.S.
Each will also get the opportunity to show at the winter market next February, which most Las Vegas veterans say is the better attended of the semi-annual trade events. Each of the four believes whatever gains they made during the first outing will be vastly improved after the winter market. "It was a very interesting experience," Clark said. "But I'm reserving final judgement until after February."
Acme Chrome focused on its ‘Retro' series of chrome casual dining. This collection, which has been well received by Canadian retailers in recent years, is an updating of the styles popular in the post-war years throughout North America.
Meanwhile, Buhler launched its new collections of occasional tables, most of which will complement its existing collections of fireplaces, curios and entertainment centres. Buhler is one of the few case goods producers in North America manufacturing coffee, end and sofa tables. This collection is also shipped fully assembled, Hodgins said.
Cirey unveiled the latest editions to its Metro collection of bedroom and dining room. The Abbotsford, British Columbia-based factory specializes in better quality solid pine and oak furniture.
In addition to launchings its imported offerings of occasional tables, Van Gogh launched several new contemporary upholstery pieces.
While this was a positive experience, none of the four is ready to sign a lease for their own showroom in the World Market Center just yet. By reputation, it's one of the most expensive furniture markets to exhibit in anywhere. These are small companies that need to carefully balance the cost to benefit ratio.
Cirey unveiled the latest editions to its Metro collection of bedroom and dining room. The Abbotsford, British Columbia-based factory specializes in better quality solid pine and oak furniture.
In addition to launchings its imported offerings of occasional tables, Van Gogh launched several new contemporary upholstery pieces.
While this was a positive experience, none of the four is ready to sign a lease for their own showroom in the World Market Center just yet. By reputation, it's one of the most expensive furniture markets to exhibit in anywhere. These are small companies that need to carefully balance the cost to benefit ratio.
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