Most hotel patrons take little notice of products underfoot. A visitor might notice a nice design or compelling tone, but it's difficult to notice the quality of a carpet's backings or pad. The slowing national economy did little to dampen the spirit of timeshare developers during the annual American Resort Development Assn.'s annual meeting. Although there was some concern about financing obstacles that developers are facing, the majority of the attendees said they are optimistic about the growth potential of the vacation-ownership industry. Hard times pull people together, and that's one reason the International Association of Holiday Inns is taking its show on the road to four markets in May and June.
Franchisees have a new comparative analysis for the cost of leasing brands.
Second to payroll, franchise fees represent one of the largest operating expenses for most hotels, according to HVS International, which published its biennial Hotel Franchise Fees Analysis Guide in March.