Network relationships and the internationalisation of the tourism economy: The case of Portuguese overseas investment in the hotel sector

O presente trabalho de investiga����o analisa a import��ncia das redes formais e informais na internacionaliza����o da economia do turismo, em particular do sector hoteleiro. Para tal baseia-se numa extensa revis��o bibliogr��fica sobre as teorias que explicam o investimento directo no estrangeiro, assim como a abordagem das redes aplicada �� internacionaliza����o e o seu enquadramento no sector do turismo. Com base na revis��o de literatura, uma s��rie de hip��teses s��o sugeridas, as quais s��o testadas na parte emp��rica da tese atrav��s de uma an��lise ��s empresas Portuguesas com investimentos no estrangeiro na ��rea da hotelaria at�� ao final de 2007 ou com projectos em curso. Esta an��lise baseia-se principalmente em dados obtidos atrav��s de entrevistas-question��rio realizadas aos respons��veis das empresas. O inqu��rito obteve 40% de taxa de resposta, contendo dados relativos ��s caracter��sticas das empresas e de cada um dos projectos realizados no estrangeiro. Com base nestes resultados s��o sugeridas uma s��rie de implica����es, assim como algumas recomenda����es para investiga����es futuras. Adicionalmente, e de forma a investigar mercados com diferentes realidades s��cio-culturais, pol��ticas e cultura de neg��cios, foi analisado o caso de Goa, atrav��s de trabalho de campo que envolveu entrevistas informais e semiestruturadas a entidades-chave ligadas ao sector do turismo e aos hoteleiros de unidades de qualidade m��dia-alta. Foi identificado um conjunto de oportunidades e desafios para as empresas Portuguesas. Ao usar uma abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, esta tese contribui para a compreens��o da natureza, determinantes e dimens��es do processo de internacionaliza����o do sector do turismo.

Implementation of a service quality strategy: application to the Algarve hotel industry

Tese dout., Doctor of Philisophy, Sheffield Hallam University, 2001

The Rathbone Hotel: internship

The main objective of the internship is to complete the requirement of the Master program as prescribed by the University of the Algarve. An intern has to prepare an internship report at the end of the internship period but the main objective of the internship is to get experience of the real world organisation. The internship was concluded with the objective of getting practical knowledge in all departments at The Rathbone Hotel. The first responsibility I was assigned during these 12 months of internship period was to assist the Housekeeping Department. Secondly, I was allotted the work of F&B, Accounts, Reservations, Front Office, Back Office and assisting the Assistant Manager was the last task I was assigned during my Internship program. As an intern, I realised that I was successful to gather a lot of significant learning experiences which would be helpful in my future career. Work in all departments of The Rathbone Hotel offered me ample space and opportunities, not only to learn but also to exhibit my skills as a Rathbone team member. I could use my theoretical knowledge in real practice while participating in many discussions. I was actively involved in the revenue meetings where I shared my knowledge and views regarding the performance in Reservations of The Rathbone Hotel. I successfully completed all the assigned duties and passed them over to the supervisor at the end of the internship. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that came along every single day. These lessons that I have learned will be a valuable one for my future activities as well.

Crieff Hydro Hotel: the experience economy and the guest perspective

The purpose of this report is to do a presentation of the hotel where I will be working, characterising the reception department and all the activities that I developed during this placement. On this placement at the CHH (Crieff Hydro Hotel) ��� family 4 stars resort, my goal is to have an experience in hospitality, in special in reception. This placement is carried out from my Master degree in Direc����o e Gest��o Hoteleira (Commercial branch) at the University of the Algarve ��� Campus Penha. For this report it was also intended to do an analysis of the guest experience in hospitality and for that it was necessary to do a literature review adequate for my area of work in the hotel giving importance to the guest experience in the hospitality. For my analysis regarding the guest experience in hospitality, I used data collected from the surveys answered by the guests that stayed with us in the hotel. To analyse the data it was necessary to do a categorial analysis technique. After this year of placement in the hotel and after this analysis, as results I have the opportunity to continue my work in the hotel and also the possibility of a better position in a near future. Last but not least, this report demonstrates my work path and also helps to have a better understanding of the satisfaction perceived by the guest in order to give us tools to improve it. From what we can see, the guests��� satisfaction is highly rated on both surveys.

Hotel W Barcelona: style department (housekeeping)

Este relat��rio pretende descrever a experi��ncia proporcionada pelo est��gio efetuado no departamento de Style do hotel W Barcelona, enquanto supervisor de housekeeping. Para melhor conseguir definir esta experi��ncia, �� feita uma carateriza����o da entidade de acolhimento, referindo os elementos diferenciadores associados �� brand do hotel, assim como aspetos gerais da cadeia hoteleira a que esta est�� liga. Segue-se uma revis��o de literatura onde �� explorada a descri����o do departamento de alojamento e do subdepartamento de housekeeping. Nesta revis��o focam-se as fun����es dos v��rios colaboradores pertencentes ao subdepartamento, assim como os variados documentos inerentes ao decorrer da opera����o. Posteriormente �� feita uma descri����o da realidade do hotel, ao n��vel da ��rea de housekeeping: relata-se as fun����es dos v��rios elementos do departamento, dando-se especial destaque �� fun����o de supervisor de andares. Refere-se quais os procedimentos e relat��rios exigidos, durante a operativa do hotel. Comenta-se, tamb��m, a implementa����o de um sistema (REX), que visa melhorar o desempenho deste departamento. Comparando os conceitos obtidos atrav��s da revis��o da literatura com a realidade do hotel verifica-se que n��o �� f��cil implementar grandes inova����es, dentro da ��rea do housekeeping, e que a forma de operar n��o conheceu profundas altera����es nos ��ltimos dez anos e conclui-se que este hotel estabeleceu para a operativa, procedimentos estandardizados.

Romantik Hotel Vivenda Miranda: est��gio

O presente relat��rio de est��gio tem como objetivo relatar as tarefas exercidas durante a realiza����o do est��gio do Mestrado em Dire����o e Gest��o Hoteleira no Romantik Hotel Vivenda Miranda. O relat��rio �� de cariz obrigat��rio segundo o Regulamento de Mestrados e as metodologias utilizadas durante o est��gio e respetivo relat��rio interligam-se com a revis��o da literatura acerca da tem��tica relativa �� an��lise e gest��o estrat��gica, gest��o da receita e engenharia da ementa. Ap��s a realiza����o do est��gio constata-se a aquisi����o de v��rios conhecimentos referentes �� gest��o e opera����o hoteleira, nomeadamente, no que concerne a v��rias fases importantes de planeamento, execu����o, optimiza����o, controlo e monitoriza����o da estrat��gia, numa tentativa de melhorar processos futuros. �� colocado grande destaque �� filosofia do hotel no que se refere �� rela����o de proximidade com o cliente, muito por influ��ncia da dimens��o do hotel e elevado n��mero de repeaters. A gest��o da receita implicou um resultado positivo no que se refere ao planeamento futuro e ao budgeting da empresa, bem como na afirma����o dos canais de distribui����o e mercado-alvo a apostar e/ou continuar a apostar. Por fim, mas n��o menos importante, a aquisi����o de conhecimentos anal��ticos relacionados com a avalia����o da ementa e sua produtividade, n��o s�� em termos financeiros, como tamb��m no que toca �� avalia����o qualitativa e intang��vel da mesma foi igualmente not��ria. Os resultados daqui adquiridos envolvem-se num car��cter mais organizacional, em que se denotou a necessidade de uma maior estrutura����o de processos j�� existentes, mas ainda n��o informatizados, facilitando a gest��o da receita nas sec����es restaurante e cozinha.

Avaliar o impacto de um website/plataforma web sobre a gest��o de uma pme na ��rea de hotelaria: estudo de caso Hotel Passagem do Sol

Nesta investiga����o, tendo em conta a natureza do problema, escolhemos um paradigma de investiga����o interpretativo, numa abordagem mista, recorrendo a dados qualitativos e quantitativos. A op����o de utilizar metodologias de ��ndole qualitativa e quantitativa contribui para valorizar o estudo realizado, de forma a conhecer a situa����o e compreender a complexidade, construindo novas perspetivas e abrindo caminho para futuros estudos. O objetivo deste estudo �� compreender e avaliar a import��ncia da Internet para a gest��o de uma PME, avaliar a Importa����o do Website/plataforma Web para a gest��o da PME, estudo do Website como ferramenta de e-Marketing, avaliar o impacto do grafismo da plataforma no cliente, avaliar o comportamento dos clientes atrav��s do Website e a forma como a empresa aproveita esses dados e analisar em que vertentes da gest��o de PME o uso da plataforma tem implica����es. De acordo com o problema apresentado, classificamos o estudo, como um estudo de caso. Neste tipo de investiga����o duas das principais vantagens s��o, possuirmos o m��todo ideal para caracterizar e aprender acerca de um indiv��duo em particular e o facto de poder-se, a qualquer momento, alterar os m��todos da recolha de dados e estruturar novas quest��es de investiga����o. Os resultados deste estudo foram extremamente elucidativos para a import��ncia de uma plataforma web na gest��o de um neg��cio, a forma como os utilizadores utilizam a internet e a pr��pria estrutura da plataforma web. Observou-se de facto que estes fatores e outros indicados no estudo possuem impacto direto e indireto na gest��o de uma organiza����o e que o simples facto de o neg��cio estar online j�� �� um fator de diferencia����o e revelou ser uma ferramenta de e-CRM e de e-Marketing muito poderosa. O facto de estudarmos uma PME, deu para concluir que o trabalho nesta ��rea ainda tem muito para crescer, devido �� falta de recursos humanos e h�� pequena dimens��o do neg��cio que n��o permite esta evolu����o t��o r��pida quanto a desejada. Por outro lado as PME���s tendem a ter outros comportamentos Web menos complexos, o que favorece o neg��cio, os colaboradores e os clientes. Concluiu-se tamb��m que toda a informa����o na Web corre �� velocidade da luz, pelo que �� muito importante as empresas e os seus colaboradores acompanharem esta evolu����o constantemente.

Framework for the characterization of hotel websites

Nowadays the importance of websites to the tourism and hospitality industries is fundamental. Hotels, for instance, spend a huge amount of money improving their websites to show all the activities and amenities that they can provide. There are studies to evaluate website performance based on functionality, usability and other factors; nevertheless, they are not exhaustive. This paper presents a framework for the characterization of hotel and resort websites, that was applied as a case study to the websites of 5-star hotels and resorts that operate in the tourism region of the Algarve, Portugal. This framework allows us to identify a set of features for the hotel and resort websites characterization. From these features, we propose a set of comprehensive indicators, grouping them into ten fundamental information dimensions, as well as the application of these indicators and information dimensions, which allows obtaining quantitative and qualitative results.

An��lise energ��tica de uma unidade hoteleira do Algarve - caso de estudo Real Marina Hotel

Disserta����o de mestrado, Energias Renov��veis e Gest��o de Energia, Faculdade de Ci��ncias e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2015

Bela Vista Country Hotel & Spa

Disserta����o de mestrado, Dire����o e Gest��o Hoteleira, Escola Superior de Gest��o, Hotelaria e Turismo, Universidade do Algarve, 2015

New competitors and their intra-industry effects: the case of the hotel industry

Disserta����o de Mestrado, Finan��as Empresariais, Faculdade de Economia, Universidade do Algarve, 2015

The Impacts of Variety on the Costs and Profits of a Hotel Chain���s Properties

In the hotel industry, undistributed operating expenses represent a significant portion of the operating costs for a hotel. Exactly how most of these expenses arise is not well understood. Using data from more than 40 hotels operated by a major chain, the authors examine the links between the variety of a hotel���s products and customers and its undistributed operating expenses and revenues. Their findings show that undistributed operating expenses are related to the extent of the property���s business and product-services mix. The results suggest that although increasing a property's product-service mix results in higher undistributed operating expenses, the incremental costs are compensated for by higher revenues. However, increasing business mix while increasing undistributed operating expenses does not result in higher revenues.

Hotel Valuation Software, Version 4.0

[Updated August 2016] The Hotel Valuation Software, freely available from Cornell���s Center for Hospitality Research, has been updated to reflect the many changes in the 11th Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI). Version 4.0 of the Hotel Valuation Software provides numerous enhancements over the original tool from 2011. In addition to a significant increase in functionality and an update to reflect the 11th edition of the USALI, Version 4.0 takes advantage of the power of the latest release of Microsoft Excel��. Note that Version 4.0 works only on a PC running Microsoft Windows, it does not work on a Mac running OS X. Users desiring an OS X compatible version should click here (Labeled as Version 2.5). ������������������������������������������������������ ) Users desiring a Mandarin version of the Hotel Valuation Software should click here The Hotel Valuation Software remains the only non-proprietary computer software designed specifically to assist in the preparation of market studies, forecasts of income and expense, and valuations for lodging property. The software provides an accurate, consistent, and cost-effective way for hospitality professionals to forecast occupancy, revenues and expenses and to perform hotel valuations. Version 4.0 of the Hotel Valuation Software includes the following upgrades ��� a complete update to reflect the 11th edition of the USALI ��� the most significant change to the chart of accounts in a generation, an average daily rate forecasting tool, a much more sophisticated valuation module, and an optional valuation tool useful in periods of limited capital liquidity. Using established methodology, the Hotel Valuation Software is a sophisticated tool for lodging professionals. The tool consists of three separate software programs written as Microsoft Excel files and a software users' guide. The tool is provided through the generosity of HVS and the School of Hotel Administration. The three software modules are: Room Night Analysis and Average Daily Rate: Enables the analyst to evaluate the various competitive factors such as occupancy, average room rate, and market segmentation for competitive hotels in a local market. Calculates the area-wide occupancy and average room rate, as well as the competitive market mix. Produce a forecast of occupancy and average daily rate for existing and proposed hotels in a local market. The program incorporates such factors as competitive occupancies, market segmentation, unaccommodated demand, latent demand, growth of demand, and the relative competitiveness of each property in the local market. The program outputs include ten-year projections of occupancy and average daily rate. Fixed and Variable Revenue and Expense Analysis: The key to any market study and valuation is a supportable forecast of revenues and expenses. Hotel revenue and expenses are comprised of many different components that display certain fixed and variable relationships to each other. This program enables the analyst to input comparable financial operating data and forecast a complete 11-year income and expense statement by defining a small set of inputs: The expected future occupancy levels for the subject hotel Base year operating data for the subject hotel Fixed and variable relationships for revenues and expenses Expected inflation rates for revenues and expenses Hotel Capitalization Software: A discounted cash flow valuation model utilizing the mortgage-equity technique forms the basis for this program. Values are produced using three distinct underwriting criteria: A loan-to-value ratio, in which the size of the mortgage is based on property value. A debt coverage ratio (also known as a debt-service coverage ratio), in which the size of the mortgage is based on property level cash flow, mortgage interest rate, and mortgage amortization. A debt yield, in which the size of the mortgage is based on property level cash flow. By entering the terms of typical lodging financing, along with a forecast of revenue and expense, the program determines the value that provides the stated returns to the mortgage and equity components. The program allows for a variable holding period from four to ten years The program includes an optional model useful during periods of capital market illiquidity that assumes a property refinancing during the holding period

Hotel Brand Conversions: What Works and What Doesn���t

As many as one-third of U.S. hotels have been converted from one brand to another in recent years, a process that frequently improves the hotel���s financial performance���although that is not always the case. Using data collected between 1994 and 2012 from PKF Hospitality Research, an analysis of brand conversions by 260 hotels shows that hotels moving downscale generally improved their occupancy, and thus their top-line revenue and profit ratios, compared to a control group of 2,750 hotels that did not change brands. However, hotels that moved upscale did not see notable changes in revenue or profit, nor did hotels that moved across their tier, especially when they stayed within their brand family. Two factors seem to drive the financial results for converted hotels���the relative strength of the brand and the fit between the brand and the property.

Environmental Implications of Hotel Growth in China: Integrating Sustainability with Hotel Development

China has embarked on the largest program of new hotel construction the world has ever seen. Even though the nation���s growth rate has eased somewhat in the past year, China���s hotel development continues at a pace that would see at least three new 150+ room hotels open every day for the next 25 years.1 Even if the industry does not continue to expand at this rate, China���s hotel growth carries substantial consequences in terms of increases in energy and water consumption, and an expanding carbon footprint. In this paper, we outline the dimensions of this issue, and we urge hotel developers to heed the national government���s push for greater sustainability.