Article : Marriott seals Nha Trang, Vietnam.

This article issued from www.4hoteliers.com on Wednesday, 9th December 2009, caught my attention as I went to Vietnam two years ago and I do know the city of Nha Trang.

Actually, I thought that it was just a matter of time before one of the biggest hospitality chain will established a resort there, as Nha Trang was already one of the most important tourist destinations of Vietnam, whether it is for residents or visitors, thanks to its beautiful beaches along the Nha Trang Bay. Moreover, this city has a real potential regarding the tourism sector.

However, Vietnam is part of developing countries - though it knows a considerable growth - it is still difficult to do business there. That is why Marriott needed to make a partnership with an important Vietnamese company, Sao Sang Nha Trang Co. Ltd. Today, Marriott has finally signed the agreement and will open in 2013. Besides, other luxury hotels are under construction in other main cities of the country. In my opinion, these openings are good investments and will only have an immense and valuable impact on the brand.

http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_nshw.php?mwi=6705

Comparative Analysis of Hotel Distribution

In-class exercise, working with Mehdi Poisson.

Comparative Analysis of Hotel Distribution

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Reverse Auction Exercise

Reverse Auction Exercise

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_auction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_travel_auction

Article : The only hotel to have two Michelin three-star restaurants.

I found this article from the website www.4hoteliers.com very interesting. In fact, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong became the only hotel in the world to have two Michelin three-star restaurants, with the French restaurant Caprice and the Cantonese restaurant Lung King Heen.

We know that there are already so many hotel restaurants to have Michelin stars in Hong Kong but the Guide which has celebrated its 100th edition this year 2009, decided to rate both Four Seasons' restaurants three-star. As the Chief Chan Yan Tak of the Lung King Heen restaurant said : "Without good leadership, good teamwork and good communication, you will never have a truly strong kitchen.” I agree with this statement because it represents very well the important tools that we need in order to succeed nowadays.

I think that the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong would never succeed as well if it didn't have good managers. In my opinion, employees should also have been really committed in their work and they couldn't if they have bad managers and chiefs. Additionally, other success tools are creativity and innovation.

http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_nshw.php?mwi=6686

In-Class Exercise 03/12/09

As I arrived late in class, I catch up with the in-class exercise.

Characteristics of OTAs

1. Customer Reach

- "Lazy" customers who don't want to make a lot of researches

- Customers who want to save money for their trip (prices comparison)

- "Tour package" so customers already have their flight, hotels and maybe car rent booked

2. Customer communication methods

- Email (for example: by sending newsletters)

- Phone (if customers need help, they can join assistance service)

- Comments on websites from previous customers

3. Types of products sold

- Transport tickets as flights, trains; car rental

- Accommodation (hotel rooms)

- Cruises

- Activities, excursions

- Vacation packages

- Rewards program

4. Special Promotion capabilities

- Best deals

- Vacation packages

5. Online booking conditions + fees

- modification and cancellation policy

- all details at the end (customer information + total price of the booking)

- credit card number with security code

- insurance

- terms and conditions

6. Affiliate program - yes/no

For most OTAs, there is an affiliate program

7. Affiliate program payment structure

- contract between OTAs and the affiliates

- OTAs take a percentage on sales (actually it is a little like a commission)

8. Info for hoteliers

- hotels' partnership

- comments from guests who stayed in their hotel