Palm Desert, Calif.–In case there was any doubt among franchisees, executives for Ramada Inns Worldwide hammered home a clear message during the brand's annual conference.

Hong Kong-based Top Spring Group will develop and InterContinental Hotels Group will operate more than 800 guestrooms at the Landmark International Commercial Center in Changzhou near Shanghai.

The U.S. hotel industry had another record-breaking year, with $133.4 billion in total revenues and $26.6 billion in profits.

Paris?Innovation was a word Jay Witzel, Carlson Hotels Worldwide president and c.e.o., used many times during the company?s global meeting in Paris in May. Marilyn Carlson Nelson, company chairman and c.e.o., addressed the company?s overall plans to emphasize the global nature of the Carlson name.

NYU Conference demonstrates industry's good health Jun 7, 2007 By: Stacey Mieyal Higgins

NEW YORK--From the lively panels to the deal making, New York University's 29th Annual International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference was a three-day whirlwind of investment information and action from June 3 to June 5 at the Marriott Marquis. Left: Kathleen Taylor [right], president and c.o.o., Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, tells Lalia Rach that the company's new private life is not much different than when it was public in terms of strategy. Taylor also squelched rumors of a new brand.

St. Paul, Minn.–Brand identification has been the focus for AmericInn International in the past few years. Now it is working to get the word out to guests.

Vista puts focus on owners during first brand conference Jun 4, 2007 By: Paul Rusnak

Nashville—"The hotel chain for hoteliers by hoteliers." A simple philosophy, but one that was stressed early and often during the Vista brand 2007 national conference at the Hotel Preston in Nashville.

NYU Investment Conference: Relationship discussion on tap for franchising panel Jun 4, 2007 By: Tony Dela Cruz

Workshops on franchising at the New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference experience higher interest during a robust building cycle, and this year is no different.

Accor sold the Red Roof Inns brand for $1.32 billion.

Parsippany, N.J.–Since the company's spinoff in August, Wyndham Worldwide has made gains in establishing its identity in lodging and vacation ownership.

Wingate moves closer to Wyndham Hotel and Resorts family May 24, 2007 By: Stacey Mieyal Higgins

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico--If ever there was a seal of approval for a franchisor's actions, the standing ovation given to Keith Pierce after he announced the new Wingate by Wyndham affiliation would qualify. At Wingate's brand conference in Puerto Rico, the general session outlined the details. At left: Bill Hall, senior v.p. of Wingate by Wyndham, shows off the brand's new name and identity at the general session.

It has long been said that franchisors are just out to make money. But then again, isn't everyone involved in the hotel industry out to make a profit? Just because franchisors make demands on franchisees doesn't mean that they don't care about owners' concerns.

In March, I moderated a panel of senior hotel executives (primarily chief executive officers) and two prominent Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. franchisees at the AAHOA convention. The panel covered major issues facing the hotel industry. Equally fascinating along with the panel's input were the audience's answers. Illustrative of the issues considered by the AAHOA members are the following:

CHICAGO—Whether they are sophisticated urban high-rises or tropical getaways, the recent crop of luxury brand launches—including offerings from Global Hyatt Corp. and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co.—are poised to take advantage of the segment's continually strong outlook, their leaders said.

A chart containing franchising details for more than 75 brands. Data covered includes: segment, number of guestrooms, construction cost per room, initial fee, royalty, marketing fee, reservations fee, financial assistance, miniimum number of rooms and franchise sales contact. (PDF, 40k)

Editor-in-Chief Jeff Higley moderated a roundtable on the subject of brand relevance. Get insights on how to control costs while keeping older brands competitive. Participants: Greg O?Stean, GE Capital Solutions; Peggy Berg, The Highland Group; Steve Mogck, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; Danny Patel, Peachstate Hospitality; John Sturgess, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; and Teague Hunter, Hunter Realty.

NATIONAL REPORT—Lending open ears to listen to problems is not enough to keep franchisees happy these days. Maintaining a long-standing, push-and-pull relationship with constant contact and feedback is what franchisees are looking for from franchisors—and they are getting it.

Carlson focuses on global connections in Paris May 10, 2007 By: Stephanie Ricca

PARIS-With an emphasis on creating global strategies, Carlson Hotels Worldwide gathered in Paris this week to redefine its goals as a truly international hotel company. [Left, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Carlson Cos. president and c.e.o. addressed attendees oncorporate social responsibility.]

Parsippany, N.J.–Ramada Franchise Systems issued a progress report on the brand's repositioning, and according to brand leaders, progress is good.

LasVegas—At the helm of the world's second largest hotel and casino company, J. Terrence Lanni, chairman and c.e.o. of MGM Mirage, has a big vision for Las Vegas and markets around the globe.