IN-DEPTH: With TripAdvisor becoming less dominant/ reliable, brands are beginning to regain some lost influence and the correct management of both mobile and mapping technology will be key to increasing any brand’s online reputation, says James Harrower, search marketing manager, International at Hilton Worldwide.

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Officials of Marshall Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announced that the company closed out 2011 by signing six new contracts in December, bringing the total number of new assignments for the year to 19 and increasing its total managed portfolio to 62 properties.

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Accor North America announces the opening of 55 hotels in 2011, all under franchise contracts. The latest openings include 49 Motel 6 and six Studio 6 properties with a room count of more than 4,100.

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London and Regional U.K. reported positive revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) growth in 2011, according to data from STR Global.

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InnSuites Hospitality Trust (NYSE Amex: IHT) announced the appointment of Pamela Barnhill as President and Chief Operating Officer of InnSuites Hospitality Trust effective February 1, 2012.

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The historic Bear Mountain Inn at Bear Mountain State Park, which had been closed for renovations for over six years, will reopen its lodging facilities to the public on February 18, 2012.

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On Thursday February 9th 2012 EcoGreenHotel will be hosting a complimentary webinar to support green hotels in the understanding of EPAct -179D Tax Deductions.

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An article that addresses the long-time hospitality industry debate over hiring employees based on personality or on ability has been named the 2011 article of the year for the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, based on a vote by the members of the CQ’s editorial board.

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Hotel Indigo, IHG’s (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG] upscale boutique brand, today announces the February opening of the Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara.

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Driven by debt restructuring deals, hotel investment activity is expected to remain stable across EMEA during 2012 with $11 billion worth of deals forecast for the year, reflecting transaction volumes similar to 2011 levels of $10.9 billion according to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ latest Hotel Investment Outlook report.

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