FBI looking into DR tourist deaths: The unexpected deaths of six American tourists visiting the Dominican Republic in the past year has drawn the attention of the FBI and a reaction from a resort owner. Following the deaths of three guests within five days of each other last month at the Bahia Principe all-inclusive resort, other families have come forward to report on three earlier puzzling deaths from similar causes at that resort and at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana. Several guests reportedly collapsed after drinking something from the minibar. The FBI has joined the investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health experts, according to Fox News. Meanwhile, DR tourism officials have suggested that the deaths could be a coincidence. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts released a statement decrying “the erroneous information that has been published, with which we do not agree,” and noting that the company “has suffered great damage to its image and reputation. Serious insults and threats have been imposed on some of our more than 15,000 employees and their families.”
Sri Lanka targets bargain seekers: With tourist numbers plummeting after recent bomb attacks that killed 250 people, Sri Lanka hotels have turned to steep discounts, according to Business Standard. England, India, the U.S. and other countries have issued travel advisories for the island — a blow to a country that Lonely Planet chose as its top 2019 destination. Steep discounts, bonus amenities and discounted airfares are among the strategies tourism operators are using to reverse the slide, which has dropped occupancy rates to around 10%.
Read more at Business Standard
“Love hotel” operator reaches US$1B valuation: US$200 million in funding from Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC has pushed the value of Yanolja over the billion-dollar mark, according to a South China Morning Post report. Yanolja is best known for bringing respectability to short-stay hotels, which are popular in densely populated cities where privacy is at a premium. Yanolja, meaning “let’s play,” offers a bright, modern franchised product that targets millennial couples and budget travelers seeking budget lodging. The company plans to branch out to Southeast Asia, where it made a US$15 million investment in Zen rooms last year, and has global aspirations. Revenue doubled last year, but the franchisor is still in the red. CEO Kim Jong-yoon expects an IPO by 2022.
Panic buttons now mandatory in NJ hotels: Starting in January 2020, most New Jersey hotels must outfit their staff with wearable panic buttons that they can activate to send for help in an emergency. It’s the first state to mandate the buttons, but similar rules are under consideration in Illinois, Florida and Washington. Marriott, Hilton and other operators have already announced plans to provide the buttons, according to the Associated Press.
Dusit Inks Dali City, China deal: Thailand-based Dusit International signed with Dali Dongsheng Real Estate Co. to manage a new development in Dali City, China. Located in the western region of Yunnan Province, Dali City sits on Erhai Lake, with views of the Cangshan Mountains. The 240-unit Dusit Thani Dali, Yunnan will form part of a lifestyle complex with shopping, offices and a residential tower. Expected to open in 2020, the new hotel will feature all-day dining, a Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge, meeting spaces, a pool and a wellness center.
Anbang awards Waldorf contract: China’s Anbang Insurance Co. hired Douglas Elliman Development Marketing to manage residential condo sales for the Anbang-owned Waldorf Astoria New York. The 375 luxury homes that make up The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria are part of a revitalization project that will ultimately include 350 new hotel rooms and suites, and renovated public and event spaces. It’s scheduled to debut in 2021.
Cipriani buys into Uruguay project: Cipriani is investing US$450 million in restoring the storied Tudor-style San Rafael Hotel in Punta del Este, Uruguay. According to the New York Post, the hotel and casino will be rechristened the Cipriani Ocean Resort, Club Residences and Casino. The first phase will include 164 suites; an additional 800,000 square feet of residences will be added in the second phase.
Okura Nikko Headed to Toyama: Toyama, an industrial city on the Sea of Japan coast, will welcome the Hotel JAL City Toyama in 2022. Okura Nikko Hotel Management said the 250-key hotel will have all-day dining, a bar and a library. Ten Hotel JAL City properties are in operation today.