Mercury360, to expand through acquisition and new units

Mercury360, the main independent market research agency in Romania in terms of turnover, is set to develop in the sector of new media and field marketing (marketing activities in stores, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants) and plans to launch a new unit this year and also acquire some companies that specialise in the two fields.

"I would certainly not want to start from scratch, but from a completely different level and this can be done by acquiring another company. I am interested and I've already held talks on the market," said Radu Miu, general manager of Mercury360.

The potential acquisitions come after Miu held talks last year for the partial or even complete acquisition of an agency whose shareholder is Simarom Trading Limited, which is headquartered in Cyprus. The Cypriot company's stakeholders are Radu Miu and Barry Mulligan, Michael Hunt and Peter Hurley from Ireland.

"I'm absolutely open to any kind of partnership or collaboration. It couldeven be a complete takeover," stated Miu in early 2007.

To strengthen Mercury360 in the area of field marketing, in February Miu signed a partnership with CPM International, a major services provider in this field.

In Mercury's portfolio, around 60% of customers come from the field of consumer goods, 10-15% from telecoms and the rest from other fields. The most profitable client is Ursus Breweries, with which the company sealed a partnership back in 1997.

Besides development in the online and field marketing areas, Miu also wants to strengthen the strategy, creation and client service departments. To coordinate these, Mihai Scortea, a former marketing manager with Cristalex, was appointed as agency CEO early this year. "The manager in charge with creation is a business driver and for us he is of particular importance as we're counting on creation, we want to expand in the ATL area (promotion on TV, the radio, printed press, outdoor and indoor advertising) where we are less experienced (the agency is known for BTL-below the line- services specialising in marketing consultancy and event organisation).

"In H1, targets were hit. We generated 10m euros, up 35% on H1, 2007," says Miu. Last year, Mercury360 reached turnover worth some 17.3m euros. Around 60% of 2007 turnover came from BTL activities, with Ursus Breweries, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Vodafone and L'Oreal as the most important clients on this segment.

Shareholders grill OE board

Two influential shareholders of luxury hotels chain operator Orient-Express Hotel (OEH) have called for a meeting of investors to question the legal standing of anti-takeover corporate structure adopted by the company.

The call for the meeting, by hedge funds headed by Mr D.E. Shaw and Mr Steven Cohen who together hold close to 14 per cent stake in OEH, comes in the midst of the company on Wednesday posting a better-than-expected second quarter results. OEH, last year rebuffed an alliance proposal from Indian conglomerate Tata group’s Indian Hotels, which owns a 11.5 per cent stake in the company. However, these class A shares held by Indian Hotels and the hedge funds hold little voting rights, most of which resides with the company’s Bermuda-based promoters.

D.E. Shaw & Co headed by Mr David Shaw and CR Intrinsic Investors headed by Mr Steven Cohen said in a letter addressed to the OEH board that the company’s corporate governance structure should be revised as it might not survive if challenged in the court.

While noting that the company’s shares have fallen by close to 50 per cent in about 8-9 months, the two investors said in separate regulatory filings here that the objections to OEH’s corporate governance structure was also raised at the company’s latest AGM.

The investors had re-asserted their objections in a letter written to the OEH board on July 24, for which they had sought a reply by August 1.

Jumeirah joins hands with Expedia

Dubai: Expedia, a global online travel company, on Tuesday said it had signed a long-term global agreement with the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, a hospitality management company.

"We have ambitious expansion plans to grow our global portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts with new projects underway in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Aqaba, Doha, Phuket, Shanghai, Mallorca, London, Argentina and elsewhere around the world," said Apo Demirtas, Jumeirah Group chief sales and marketing officer.

"Expedia is an ideal partner to help us reach millions of travellers worldwide and enhance our global distribution strategy."

The Address Hotels & Resorts to manage The Palace in Downtown Burj Dubai

UAE. The Address Hotels & Resorts, the new hotel brand launched by Emaar Hospitality Group (EHG), will assume the management and operations of The Palace, The Old Town hotel within Downtown Burj Dubai. The five star hotel was earlier managed by Sofitel, the hotel management brand of French Accor Group.

Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Sofitel’s contribution to developing The Palace, The Old Town as one of the premier hotels in Dubai has been invaluable. We thank them for their support and creating a direction of growth since October 2007.”

He added: “The Address Hotels & Resorts is Emaar’s home-grown five star premium hotel brand and The Palace, The Old Town is one of the prestigious hotel developments by Emaar. By integrating the hotel under The Address umbrella, as a separate collection, we aim to achieve service and operational consistency and efficiency, while enhancing the overall value offering of the hotel group.”

This follows a mutual agreement with Accor Group, following the conclusion of the management agreement. Sofitel Luxury Hotels is developing its own strategy and network in the luxury segment. To have The Address Hotels & Resorts assume the management of The Palace is a logical extension for Emaar, a view shared by both parties.

The current branding of The Palace, The Old Town will continue with The Address Hotels & Resorts managing all operational aspects. This reiterates EHG’s goal of having a diverse bouquet of hotels, some featuring The Address branding and others operated by the hotels company.

Robert Gaymer Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Sofitel Luxury Hotels Worldwide, said: “The Sofitel team has done a very good job since the opening of The Palace, The Old Town and I want to thank them all. The Palace is one of the exemplary hotel destinations in Dubai and we are confident that The Address, Emaar’s own hotel brand will build further on the strong platform of growth we have created for the property. We wish Emaar Hospitality the very best and continued success at The Palace.”

The Address Hotels & Resorts will open three new hotels in Dubai: The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai; The Address, Dubai Mall; and The Address, Dubai Marina.

The Palace, The Old Town is located within Downtown Burj Dubai and has 242 well-appointed guestrooms and suites including the imperial suite, all with an enchanting Middle Eastern ambience.

Bruges also known as 'Venice of the North'

"Tourists land in here, take one look at the surroundings and know right away there's been some mistake," says Johan Creytens, owner of the Heritage Hotel in Bruges, Belgium, the city of canals that bills itself as "The Venice of the North."

It's an easy mistake to make. The Heritage, a four-star establishment, is located at Niklaas Desparsstraat 11. Right next door, at Niklaas Desparsstraat 9, is the Hotel Nicolas, with a two-star rating. It isn't uncommon, according to Creytens, for a travel-weary tourist stumbling out of a taxi late at night to wander into the wrong lodgings.

"We don't consider ourselves competitors," says Creytens. "They serve a particular clientele and so do we. If somebody chooses the wrong place - and it happens occasionally - we cheerfully send the guest next door, and they do likewise."

The Heritage provides all the amenities its four-star designation promises, from a sumptuous breakfast buffet in a beautiful salon setting to rooms you're thrilled to get back to after a long day of playing Jo(e) Tourist. A standard room currently goes for 140 euros single and 152 euros double. Breakfast is an extra 15 euros per person.

The Nicolas, on the other hand, rates two stars, so what you get is fairly basic. The breakfast is hearty but fairly unimaginative and the rooms, while clean and comfortable, aren't anything to write home about. This hotel's standard room is a wallet-pleasing 50 euros single and 60 euros double.

I recently stayed at the Hotel Heritage as their guest and they put me up in their showcase Belfry Suite on the top floor where skylights on each section of the sloped ceiling offered a breathtaking view of a different church spire.

This top-of-the-line suite came with a cosy sitting room, linen sheets on one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in, and a brightly lit and richly tiled bathroom featuring a double sink, Jacuzzi bath and separate shower cabinet. The normal tariff for this suite is 404 euros single and 416 euros double.

Johan and his wife Isabelle purchased their historic building in 1992. It had been a bank for about 70 years and had had a varied existence before that, dating back more than 500 years. Extensive renovations turned the edifice into a luxurious inn and spa - and a residence for the Creytens, who live in a suite on-site so they can keep close tabs on its day-to-day operations.

I also made a point of going next door to visit the Hotel Nicolas and can honestly say I would stay there without hesitation. I have paid a lot more for a lot less.

The Nicolas is also family operated. Yiling and Thomas Timmerman also take pride in what they have to offer. "We're not in the same league as the Heritage," says Yiling. "But we offer clean, comfortable accommodation for travelers keeping a fairly close eye on their budget."

One attractive feature of these hotels is that they are just a short walk from the Market Square, where boutiques and shops offer a cornucopia of Belgian specialties, including chocolate, lace and myriad souvenirs.

The First Week of The Chelsea Hotel Takeover Ends With Andre Balazs

The earth-shattering news that the long-time manager of the legendary old-school hotel/residence/bohemian artist camp The Chelsea Hotel was being kicked out for a slick hotel management company is still producing aftershocks.

The biggest one comes today courtesy of Page Six who says Andre Balazs may have some plans up his sleeve to turn the hotel into a Chateau Marmont East as he stopped in for a look-see.

We hear Balazs, with his knack for historical preservation, will have a role in running and restoring the place. Now all he has to do is figure out how to entice people who have long lived there for little to no rent to vacate.

Naturally, this has the devoted residents of the Chelsea Hotel up in arms saying they will not be "enticed" by any means. However, they have already received a notice about paying outstanding balances. The future looks grim indeed.

To us hotel geeks, it's interesting to note that Balazs would partner up with B&D again after it seems like the Mercer Hotel partnership went a little sour. Then again, Balazs would be crazy (!) to turn down a Chateau Marmont for the East Coast. Note to National Enquirer editors: Send someone up to NYC as soon as Marmont East opens!

Mauritania army stages coup; junta takes charge

By AHMED MOHAMED and TODD PITMAN

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AP) — Army officers upset with government overtures toward Islamic hard-liners staged a coup in Mauritania on Wednesday, overthrowing the first government to be freely elected in this sprawling desert nation in more than 20 years.

The coup in Africa's newest oil producer took place after the president and prime minister fired the country's top four military officials, reportedly for supporting lawmakers who had accused the president of corruption and disagreed with how he was reaching out to Islamic hard-liners.

A brief announcement read over state television Wednesday said the new "state council" will be led by presidential guard chief Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, one of the four fired generals. The statement also restored the jobs of the other three generals.

President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was being held by renegade soldiers at the presidential palace in Nouakchott, according to presidential spokesman Abdoulaye Mamadouba. Soldiers also detained Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed Waqef, he said.

State radio and television went off air as the coup began and witnesses said soldiers were deployed throughout the capital. No violence was reported.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos condemned the coup, adding that "this was a constitutional government, democratically elected."

Gallegos said that officials in the U.S. embassy in Nouakchott believe that all U.S. citizens in Mauritania have been accounted for.

The continentwide African Union also condemned the coup and said it would send the head of its peace and security council to the Mauritanian capital later this week. The AU's top official, Jean Ping, said in a statement the organization "demands the restoration of constitutional legality."

Straddling the western edge of the Sahara desert, Arab-dominated Mauritania, with a population of 3.4 million, has been wracked by more than 10 coups or attempted coups since independence from France in 1960. While most of its people live on about $5 a day, oil reserves were discovered in Mauritania in 2006.

One of only three Arab League countries to have diplomatic relations with Israel, Mauritania was rocked in 2007 by back-to-back attacks, including one on the Israeli Embassy in Nouakchott and another that killed four French tourists. The government has blamed the attacks on an Islamic terror cell allied with al-Qaida.

Aziz also masterminded the country's last coup in 2005, which was popular locally and ended a long dictatorship. That coup paved the way for the first truly democratic elections in two decades in 2007, which Abdallahi won.

Aziz had backed Abdallahi in last year's vote, But Abdallahi angered Aziz and his supporters by opening a dialogue with Islamic hard-liners who had been accused of having links with an al-Qaida-affialiated terror network believed operating in northern Africa. Abdallahi also released from prison several alleged terror suspects.

Abdallahi, a devout Muslim, also came under criticism for using public funds to build a mosque on the grounds of the presidential palace. Lawmakers also demanded an investigation into allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds by Abdallahi's wife.

The country's latest political crisis began in May after Abdallahi appointed 12 ministers, some accused of corruption and all of whom had held prominent posts in the government of former President Maaouya Sid'Ahmed Ould Taya, who was ousted in the 2005 coup.

In June, lawmakers introduced a no-confidence vote against the president and called for his resignation, but Abdallahi survived.

On Wednesday, lawmaker Mohammed Al Mukhtar told the Arab satellite television station Al-Jazeera by telephone that many people supported Wednesday's takeover. He described the government as "an authoritarian regime" and asserted the president had "marginalized the majority in parliament."

The U.S. embassy urged Americans in Mauritania "to exercise extreme caution" and to remain at home or in their hotels for the rest of the day. French Foreign Ministry spokesman Romain Nadal said measures have been taken to protect the safety of French citizens in Mauritania.

The bloodless 2005 coup, when Col. Ely Ould Mohamed Vall seized power, was widely popular, for many Mauritanians had grown tired of the 21-year rule of former dictator Taya. Vall kept his promise that no junta members would run in the 2007 presidential election, but some in the military were reportedly unhappy at being barred from the race.

The attacks in 2007 prompted French organizers to cancel the 2008 Dakar Rally, a famous transcontinental car and motorcycle race that brought pride and foreign currency into the country.

Red Lion makes Columbia Pacific talks confidential

Red Lion Hotels Corp. said Tuesday that it executed several confidentiality agreements with third parties, including one with Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund LP, which has given it an unsolicited takeover bid, as it reviews strategic alternatives.

According to a June filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Columbia Pacific has offered to buy the hotel operator for $9.50 per share in cash.

Columbia Pacific began discussing a possible transaction with Red Lion in April, but the hotel company subsequently discontinued the talks, the filing said.

Red Lion said its board has not yet decided whether to pursue a transaction.

Starwood Continues World Takeover with 100th China Hotel

Well, in case there was any doubt that the crappy economic climate and dismal hotel occupancy rates have thwarted Starwood's efforts to take over the whole entire world, cast your fears aside.

Their decision to scrap a couple of Alofts is no indication that they'll be doing anything but forging on full-speed ahead across the rest of this planet. And this week, they're toasting to the newly-conquered Republic of Starwood -- formerly known as China.

But seriously: Starwood announced their 100th hotel in China yesterday, a milestone they've reached with the signing of the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng. The new property will have 470 rooms and will be a part of the Global Trade Center development.

Oh, and in case you were wondering about the math:

In addition to the 43 hotels Starwood currently operates in China, Starwood has 57 new properties scheduled to open. These include 22 Sheratons, 12 Four Points by Sheratons, eight Westins, five W hotels, four St Regis, three Le Meridien hotels, two aloft hotels and one Luxury Collection hotel.

57 old + 43 new = 100. 100 Starwood hotels in one country = step one toward world domination. Right?

One area they haven't yet conquered? The interwebs! Starwood, you should really ask Bill Marriott how to handle that one.

Melco China Resorts’ Sun Mountain Lodge joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Melco China Resorts’ Sun Mountain Lodge, currently being constructed at the company’s Sun Mountain Yabuli Resort in Heilongjiang Province, China, has been accepted as part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand.

Recently ranked the “top overall luxury hotel brand for 2007” and the brand that offers the “Best Customer Experience”, by the New York-based Luxury Institute, the SLH portfolio comprises over 450 luxury hotels in more than 70 countries.

The luxurious Sun Mountain Lodge, an elegantly inspired mountain-top, boutique hotel is the centerpiece of Melco China Resorts’ Sun Mountain Yabuli Resort re-development which includes two other premium hotels, luxury resort vacation homes, and unique year-round facilities and attractions all currently under construction for completion in December 2008.

Melco China Resorts is expanding their land bank at Yabuli from 75.7 to 220.3 hectares allowing the company additional development opportunities in key areas of the property including the resort and residential village.

Paul Kerr, Global Chief Executive Officer of Small Luxury Hotels of the World said, “China is a key area of growth for SLH and we are very pleased to welcome the Sun Mountain Lodge into our growing portfolio of stunning hotels. Each year we receive thousands of applications from hotels wishing to join our brand and we only accept a small percentage of these due to our very strict selection criteria. This is a testament to the high standards of accommodation and service which we know will be achieved by Sun Mountain Lodge when it opens in December. As with all our properties, Melco China Resorts focus on their guests’ total experience and the quality of the lodging facilities and resort amenities under construction are exactly aligned with the standards our hotels represent.”

“The SLH brand not only places a premier mark of quality within our Sun Mountain Yabuli resort, it also introduces the resort to the existing, discerning customer network offered by SLH,” added Graham Kwan, CEO of Melco China Resorts. “Our relationship with SLH affirms our commitment as the purveyor of the finest in resort living in China and those seeking prestige property investments.”

Melco China Resorts is one of the largest operators and developers of world-class ski resorts in China. MCR is currently transforming one existing ski area in Beijing and four existing ski areas in the North Eastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jili, most notably Sun Mountain Yabuli.

Expedia and Jumeirah Group Sign Global Partnership Agreement

BELLEVUE, Washington and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Aug 05, 2008 (PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX) ----- Deal marks first for Jumeirah Group with an online travel company

Expedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPE), the world's leading online travel company, today announced it has signed a long term global agreement with Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, the dynamic, luxury hospitality management company. Under the agreement, Jumeirah hotels will be available on all Expedia(R: 67.37, +1.95, +2.98%) -- and hotels.com(R: 67.37, +1.95, +2.98%) -- branded points of sale globally.

"We have ambitious expansion plans to grow our global portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts with new projects underway in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Aqaba, Doha, Phuket, Shanghai, Mallorca, London, Argentina and elsewhere around the world," said Apo Demirtas, chief sales and marketing officer, Jumeirah Group. "Expedia is an ideal partner to help us reach millions of travelers worldwide and enhance our global distribution strategy."

The agreement provides Jumeirah Group access to Expedia's global marketplace, as well as its online travel marketing and distribution expertise, and targeted merchandising opportunities to reach travelers throughout Europe, Asia and North America.

"This partnership is strategic to both Jumeirah and Expedia, as we continue to expand our global footprints, respectively," said Murad Hajeebhoy, vice president of market management, Expedia EMEA. "Jumeirah and Expedia share a commitment to delivering travelers excellent service, and we're pleased to help Jumeirah meet its overall business objectives."

Jumeirah hotels will access Expedia's global online travel marketplace through Expedia(R: 67.37, +1.95, +2.98%)Connect, Expedia's industry leading direct connection solution for chain hotels. In turn, Expedia customers can book accommodation at Jumeirah Group's luxurious hotels and resorts worldwide, including the well-known Jumeirah Essex House in New York, and the world's most luxurious hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS, UDAIPUR RANKED BEST HOTEL IN THE WORLD

The Oberoi Group has scored a first by receiving top honours in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2007 readers’ survey. The Oberoi Udaivilas, the luxury hotel in Udaipur, has been ranked the best hotel in the world with the highest overall score of 94.36. This recognition, the most recent in a series of accolades for The Oberoi Group, comes from the readers of Travel + Leisure, in what is acknowledged amongst the most revered ranking in the international travel industry. To arrive at this ranking hotels across the world were evaluated on characteristics ranging from accommodation and service to location.In the same survey, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra has been ranked the 10th best hotel in the world and The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur has been rated the 11th best hotel in the worldMs. Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure said, "This year's results underline Travel + Leisure readers' ever-increasing embrace of global travel in their search for distinctive and authentic experiences. The extraordinary rise of India among the top hotels and resorts in the world is one sure reflection of this tendency, with The Oberoi Udaivilas ranking number one hotel in the world, and The Oberoi Amarvilas and The Oberoi Rajvilas coming in at 10 and 11 overall.Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman, The Oberoi Group said, "I am happy and proud that an Oberoi hotel has been ranked the best in the world. This is a significant landmark for Indian tourism and will further encourage tourists to visit the country".

THE OBEROI AMARVILAS THE BEST FIVE STAR DELUX HOTEL IN INDIA - NATIONAL TOURISM AWARDS 2006 - 2007

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra is the best five star deluxe hotel in India. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India awarded the prestigious National Tourism Award in the Five Star Deluxe category to The Oberoi Amarvilas in recognition of its contribution to tourism in the country and unremitting commitment to excellence. This is the third year in succession that the hotel has received this award. Instituted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the National Tourism Awards are the most coveted awards in the travel and tourism industry in India and are presented annually, in various categories, acknowledging exceptional performance and contribution to promoting India as a tourist destination. This recognition came soon after The Oberoi Udaivilas was rated the best hotel in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the World’s Best Awards 2007 - acknowledged as the most revered ranking in the international travel industry. In the same poll, The Oberoi Amarvilas and The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur were rated the 10th and 11th best hotels in the world. Additionally, three Oberoi hotels were also rated amongst the top six hotels in the world in a readers’ poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveler. While The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur and The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore were ranked the 2nd and 3rd best hotels in the world, The Oberoi Amarvilas was rated the 6th best hotel in the world.