Just when we started seeing some positive changes in the food services and retail side of the hospitality industry in Canada, I came across this article on the dropped hotel rates for our top 5 cities. While not encouraging, still noteworthy information for hotel managers.....
Strengthening Canadian Dollar Drives Hotel Rate Drops and Great Deals
SAN FRANCISCO, May 12 /PRNewswire, a leading discount travel site, today announced the results of the May 2010 Hotwire[R] Canadian Hotel Rate Report, which features the top five cities in Canada where hotel rates have dropped the most. When combined with Hotwire's already discounted prices, the Hotel Rate Report helps guide customers to the destinations that will maximize their travel dollars. Edmonton tops this month's rate report with an 11 percent drop, and after a six-month absence, Vancouver makes a welcome return with a 3 percent drop.
Hotel prices across Canada continue to fall as many popular destinations are still seeing declines in leisure travel that traditionally fills up rooms this time of year. This trend is being driven by the strength of the Canadian dollar against both the U.S. dollar and Euro. Travelers appear to be choosing destinations where they can get more native currency in exchange for their money, causing hoteliers in cities like Halifax and Vancouver to drop prices to compensate.
In addition to the exchange rate effects, cities like Edmonton and Ottawa are not seeing a return in business travelers, which is causing hotels to slash rates even further in those areas. So for travelers looking to stay closer to home this summer, they are bound to find a destination that suits their budget and taste, whether it is scenic Niagara Falls, history-rich Halifax or the country's capital, Ottawa.
When compared to the same time last year, the top five hotel price reductions for May 2010 include:
Example of a Current Hotwire Deal, CAD$/Night
Hotel Market: Edmonton, AL
Price Drop: 11%
Rank:3-star
$96
Hotel Market: Halifax, NS
Price Drop:9%
Rank:3-star
$76
Hotel Market: Ottawa, ON
Price Drop:8%
Rank:3-star
$90
Hotel Market: Niagara Falls, ON
Price Drop:5%
Rank: 3-star
$97
Hotel Market: Vancouver, BC
Price Drop: 3%
Rank: 3-star
$92
"Leisure destinations across Canada are offering some great deals this month on Hotwire," said Clem Bason, President of the Hotwire Group. "As long as the Canadian dollar stays strong against international currencies, travelers should continue to see low hotel prices throughout the summer."
Showing posts with label hospitality hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hospitality hotels. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
Food Quality Following BP Oil Spill
Anyone else have a concern about the food from our oceans following the catastrophic oil spill of BP's? Surely, we'll be concerned to avoid highly contaminated foods in our grocery stores and restaurants but what impact will the spill have? how will be know it's safe? are suppliers being questioned? If you're as concerned as me, perhaps you'd be interested in this article from prweb.com on May 28, 2010:
"The International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), a leader in delivering career-spanning, standards-based food protection training to state and local food safety officials, announced today it is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to train food protection officials to determine the safety and acceptability of seafood from the oil-contaminated Gulf-state area.
This federal program will provide hands-on training to develop skills in sensory detection for taint in seafood exposed to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. These skills are critical for seafood safety monitoring in order for food protection officials to take regulatory response measures that can include advisories and opening and closing of fisheries. All instruction will be provided by a special NMFS/FDA Sensory Expert Team that has been collecting base-line samples from the Gulf region for these and future training sessions.
In addition to coordinating attendance of state officials from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, IFPTI will reimburse attendees' travel expenses to overcome the limited funding for training and tight travel budgets that would otherwise have prevented these food protection officials from getting this vital emergency training.
To date, working in partnership with the Association of Food & Drug Officials, and in collaboration with the FDA, IFPTI has trained more than 500 food protection professionals from 37 states. Utilizing a FY2010 federal appropriation, IFPTI expects to train approximately 1,000 state and local food protection professionals in 2010 and the Institute is preparing to train up to 2,000 to 3,000 food safety officials in 2011 utilizing funding allocated for such purposes in the President's FY2011 Budget. "
"The International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), a leader in delivering career-spanning, standards-based food protection training to state and local food safety officials, announced today it is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to train food protection officials to determine the safety and acceptability of seafood from the oil-contaminated Gulf-state area.
This federal program will provide hands-on training to develop skills in sensory detection for taint in seafood exposed to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. These skills are critical for seafood safety monitoring in order for food protection officials to take regulatory response measures that can include advisories and opening and closing of fisheries. All instruction will be provided by a special NMFS/FDA Sensory Expert Team that has been collecting base-line samples from the Gulf region for these and future training sessions.
In addition to coordinating attendance of state officials from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, IFPTI will reimburse attendees' travel expenses to overcome the limited funding for training and tight travel budgets that would otherwise have prevented these food protection officials from getting this vital emergency training.
To date, working in partnership with the Association of Food & Drug Officials, and in collaboration with the FDA, IFPTI has trained more than 500 food protection professionals from 37 states. Utilizing a FY2010 federal appropriation, IFPTI expects to train approximately 1,000 state and local food protection professionals in 2010 and the Institute is preparing to train up to 2,000 to 3,000 food safety officials in 2011 utilizing funding allocated for such purposes in the President's FY2011 Budget. "
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fresh New Look At Banff
I forogt how beautiful the Banff area was. This clip makes me want to go back and visit....especially on moped!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Call for Nominations
If you know someone in the hotel industry in Canada who is deserving of nomination for any of the awards below, please do so....even vote for yourself. For instance, if you know a student who stands out and would benefit from the bursary, or an outstanding supplier, say perhaps a recruiter for hotels(ahem!), then vote for them at www.hotelassociation.ca and click the “Awards” link on the main page!
Call for Entries
HAC Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is now accepting entries for the 2009 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence. Now in its sixth year the Hall of Fame Awards program continues the association’s tradition of acknowledging the strong standards and values of those involved in and with the lodging industry.
Each year the Hall of Fame Awards attracts more and more entries from HAC members across the country. The Awards program proudly recognizes those individuals, companies or properties that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to our industry in the following divisions:
New! Outstanding Supplier Award
Recognizing Allied Members of the Hotel Association of Canada that have made a significant contribution to the Canadian lodging industry and to their individual lodging customers. Candidate will have provided outstanding customer service and support.
Nominations are also open for the Stephen Phillips Passion For Hospitality Bursary
This bursary is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Phillips, former Vice-Chairman & CEO of AFM Hospitality Corporation Inc., who passed away from cancer in early 2007. The bursary will be awarded to the hospitality student who best represents the qualities that Stephen Phillips brought to the industry.
The Humanitarian Award
Given for individuals/programs that demonstrate to residents that the individual property is responsive to the local community.
The Human Resources Award
Given for programs/individuals that develop a climate conducive to new and/or repeat business, create goodwill among guests, provide special services, reverse negative public relations situations or effectively solve guest complaints.
The Energy & Environment Award
Recognizes lodging properties that have developed a culture towards integrating environmental management practices that improve everyday operations and the bottom line, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations.
Winners will be honoured at an Awards Luncheon in February 2010 in conjunction with HAC’s Annual Conference at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, ON. To access the Hall of Fame Awards Call for Entries, and to view a list of past winners, visit www.hotelassociation.ca and click the “Awards” link on the main page. Deadline for submissions is November 23, 2009.
The Hotel Association of Canada is the national organization representing the lodging industry in Canada. Our membership encompasses the provincial and territorial hotel associations, the corporate hotel chains, independent hotels, motels and resorts and the many suppliers to the hotel industry. Our objective is to assist both our national and international members as they endeavour to enhance their competitiveness and achieve their bottom line.
Call for Entries
HAC Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is now accepting entries for the 2009 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence. Now in its sixth year the Hall of Fame Awards program continues the association’s tradition of acknowledging the strong standards and values of those involved in and with the lodging industry.
Each year the Hall of Fame Awards attracts more and more entries from HAC members across the country. The Awards program proudly recognizes those individuals, companies or properties that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to our industry in the following divisions:
New! Outstanding Supplier Award
Recognizing Allied Members of the Hotel Association of Canada that have made a significant contribution to the Canadian lodging industry and to their individual lodging customers. Candidate will have provided outstanding customer service and support.
Nominations are also open for the Stephen Phillips Passion For Hospitality Bursary
This bursary is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Phillips, former Vice-Chairman & CEO of AFM Hospitality Corporation Inc., who passed away from cancer in early 2007. The bursary will be awarded to the hospitality student who best represents the qualities that Stephen Phillips brought to the industry.
The Humanitarian Award
Given for individuals/programs that demonstrate to residents that the individual property is responsive to the local community.
The Human Resources Award
Given for programs/individuals that develop a climate conducive to new and/or repeat business, create goodwill among guests, provide special services, reverse negative public relations situations or effectively solve guest complaints.
The Energy & Environment Award
Recognizes lodging properties that have developed a culture towards integrating environmental management practices that improve everyday operations and the bottom line, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations.
Winners will be honoured at an Awards Luncheon in February 2010 in conjunction with HAC’s Annual Conference at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, ON. To access the Hall of Fame Awards Call for Entries, and to view a list of past winners, visit www.hotelassociation.ca and click the “Awards” link on the main page. Deadline for submissions is November 23, 2009.
The Hotel Association of Canada is the national organization representing the lodging industry in Canada. Our membership encompasses the provincial and territorial hotel associations, the corporate hotel chains, independent hotels, motels and resorts and the many suppliers to the hotel industry. Our objective is to assist both our national and international members as they endeavour to enhance their competitiveness and achieve their bottom line.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Recruiter/Candidate Relationship
It's been a busy start to the year and I want to thank all of the candidates who have kindly referred Target Professionals to other candidates and clients. I receive great satisfaction in helping people find good work that fits their lives while assisting clients employ your exceptional skills with fairness, respect and growth opportunities.
Some people don't realize that, as a recruiter, I don't charge a fee to candidates for assisting with developing a career plan, employment searches, resume formats, interview preparation, work permit information, etc.... this is true. Recruiters charge the clients (your prospective employer) a fee when they hire a candidate through Target Professionals. So, while I don't work directly for candidates, I do my best to help you with your career even if I don't have a position currently open that suits your background and interest.
I believe candidates and clients have equal imporatance and value regardless of who pays the fee simply because they are both one side of a vibrant hospitality business. I'd be interested to hear any of your comments about how successful recruiters are in meeting your needs or if you feel there are ways we can improve.
Some people don't realize that, as a recruiter, I don't charge a fee to candidates for assisting with developing a career plan, employment searches, resume formats, interview preparation, work permit information, etc.... this is true. Recruiters charge the clients (your prospective employer) a fee when they hire a candidate through Target Professionals. So, while I don't work directly for candidates, I do my best to help you with your career even if I don't have a position currently open that suits your background and interest.
I believe candidates and clients have equal imporatance and value regardless of who pays the fee simply because they are both one side of a vibrant hospitality business. I'd be interested to hear any of your comments about how successful recruiters are in meeting your needs or if you feel there are ways we can improve.
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