Marriott International, generally the earliest chain to report performance and often a hotel industry bellwether, continued to temper its 2008 outlook after sluggish first-quarter domestic revenue growth. In North America, revenue per available room grew by only 2.3 percent for the quarter, although international growth was much stronger. Marriott slightly lowered its 2008 profit outlook, although it maintained its forecast for revenue per available room growth of between 3 and 5 percent for 2008. Marriott also said that group bookings for the rest of the year are strong.
DOT To Raise Denied Boarding CompensationAmid fierce opposition from air carriers, the Department of Transportation said in May it will double the maximum amount airlines must compensate involuntarily bumped passengers. Under the rule, passengers who are involuntarily bumped would receive compensation equal to their one-way fare up to $400 if they are rescheduled to reach their destination within two hours of their original arrival time for domestic and four hours for international flights, and $800 if they reach their destination after those times. DOT said it also would apply the rule to previously exempt aircraft that seat between 30 and 60 people.
U.S. Expanding Visa Waiver ProgramThe United States dramatically has expanded the number of countries participating it the Visa Waiver Program, most recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea that may clear the way for its inclusion later this year. The accord, which puts into force such enhanced security procedures as an electronic system of travel authorization for air passengers, was signed April 18. Similar agreements have been signed with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania and Malta, which would join the 27 other participating countries that enhance security measures for airports that originate U.S. flights, including permitting air marshals. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in late April proposed a rule requiring airlines and cruise lines to collect departing foreign visitors' fingerprints and transmit them to DHS, and said if the procedures were not put into place by June 30, 2009, the planned extension of the Visa Waiver Program might not be possible. The department intends to implement the procedures by January 2009. While visa-holding foreign visitors are required to submit fingerprints when entering the United States
(BTNonline, Jan. 4, 2004), both the International Air Transport Association and the Air Transport Association of America stated collecting biometric information should be the responsibility of the government, not suppliers. DHS will publish a final rule following a 60-day public comment period.
U.S. To Pilot Int'l Registered Traveler ProgramU.S. Customs and Border Protection this summer plans to pilot a voluntary expedited entry process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. CBP said it would start taking applications May 12. The program will launch June 10 at New York's John F. Kennedy International, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental and Washington Dulles International airports. Applicants must provide the government with biometric information, undergo a background check and pay a $100 fee. Members can bypass customs lines and go to a kiosk to scan passports, have photographs taken, answer declaration questions and submit fingerprints. A receipt is printed and presented to a CBP officer.