Monday, March 15, 2010

“Four Points By Sheraton – 16 Props to open in 2010 on ... - Hotel Interactive Network” plus 3 more

“Four Points By Sheraton – 16 Props to open in 2010 on ... - Hotel Interactive Network” plus 3 more

Four Points By Sheraton – 16 Props to open in 2010 on ... - Hotel Interactive Network

Posted: 15 Mar 2010 10:00 AM PDT

A billion-dollar rejuvenation continues to pay off for Four Points by Sheraton, which today unveiled a global pipeline that is set to ramp up its portfolio by 16 properties in 2010.  Four Points currently operates 148 hotels in 24 countries. 

Gearing up to open its 150th property in the first half of 2010, the Four Points brand has one of parent company Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.'s (NYSE: HOT) most robust pipelines.  In 2010 eight new Four Points properties are slated to open in established North American markets and another eight set for international business and leisure travel hubs in Asia and Africa.   

"Four Points by Sheraton continues to experience meaningful growth around the world based, in part, on the flexibility of the brand that makes it an appealing option in a variety of markets and settings," said Simon Turner, President of Global Development.  "For example, in 2010, we will debut the brand with new-build hotels in Nigeria, Bangkok and Phuket.  While in North America, where the brand already enjoys market leading presence, we are seeing growth through conversion and adaptive reuse projects."

In China, three Four Points properties are expected to open in the coming year in Lianyungang, a center of international trade known as China's "east-west freight corridor"; the port city of Taicang, whose thriving economy boasts investment projects from the US, UK, and Germany; and Tai'An, home to spectacular Mount Taishan, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

"Guests consistently tell us how much they appreciate the great value and stylish comfort of Four Points , especially at a time when travel can be so challenging," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "The brand's powerful global growth proves that travelers find simple pleasures like a great local craft beer at the end of a long day, free bottled water, free and fast WiFi, and a great night's sleep universally appealing."

Four Points is also scheduled to debut in key markets like Lagos, Nigeria, Bangkok, and the popular Thai resort island of Phuket.  In Canada, Four Points will open hotels this year in Niagara Falls, Ontario; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Calgary, Alberta.  Domestically, properties are planned for markets including San Jose, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Memphis, TN; and Long Island City, NY.

The Four Points brand's explosive growth follows a $1 billion rejuvenation of the brand.  Major renovations, conversions, and new-build hotels have led to a remarkable 70 percent turnover in the Four Points portfolio over the last five years. 

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Filmmaker Tim Burton gets French cultural honor - Daily Oklahoman

Posted: 15 Mar 2010 06:32 AM PDT

Culture Minister Frederic Mitterand made the director of such films as "Alice in Wonderland" and "Edward Scissorhands" an officer in France's National Order of Arts and Letters.

Burton, wearing a dark suit and his trademark fuzzy hairdo, says he has always loved France and felt a special connection with the French public.

Burton says "I feel much more at home here than I do in my own country and I thank you very much." A green and gold medallion was pinned to his lapel.

French actress and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard was also honored at Monday's ceremony at the Culture Ministry.

Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Bombers strike Pakistani market - Sauk Valley Daily Gazette

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 11:08 PM PST

By MCT News Service

ISLAMABAD – In the fifth terrorist attack this week in Pakistan, extremists set off twin suicide bombs Friday in the eastern city of Lahore, killing at least 43 people, a reminder of the continued threat to the country despite an overall fall in violence.

The bloodiest strike in Pakistan this year saw twin attackers, on foot and wearing suicide jackets, detonate themselves in a busy market in a high-security military district in Lahore. The target appeared to be passing military vehicles but most of the victims were civilians.

Children crossing the road and people waiting at a bus stop were among the casualties of the blasts, which also ripped apart shops in the market. Witnesses said that bodies, some with missing limbs, were scattered across the area. Some 10 soldiers were among the dead, according to Lahore Police Chief Parvaiz Rathore. About 100 people were wounded.

"There were about 10 to 15 seconds between the blasts. Both were suicide attacks," a senior local government official, Sajjad Bhutta, said at the site. "The maximum preventative measures were being taken, but these people find support from somewhere."

The bombers struck at 1 p.m., around the time of Friday prayers, in the cantonment area of Lahore, home to the local army garrison and one of the city's most affluent residential districts. Lahore is the bustling cultural hub of Pakistan, which had enjoyed a period of relative peace in recent weeks. It's also the capital of Punjab province, the country's most densely populated area and its political heartland.

Five low-intensity blasts in Lahore in the evening, in different locations in a residential area across town, sent panicky locals running through the streets, but damage was reported to be minor.

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