The Refinishing Touch Blog

A decade ago environmentalists and green advocates worked hard to make people listen to them.

Today it seems the world looks through green-tinted glasses even in economically tough times. As President Obama stood up this week and declared "We will recover" in his historical first speech to Congress, one of the areas he called out was for Congress to pass a climate change bill to drive the production of more renewable energy and a market-based cap on carbon pollution.

From across the board plans for new energy sources and transportation reform through to targeted rewards for individuals to think and act green in everyday life, the new Government is helping citizens to examine their lifestyle choices and to consider the impact we each have on the environment.

Here at The Refinishing Touch, it is no secret that we've been walking the green road since we were founded in 1977. It's the nature of our business and our belief that innovation and dedication can create new environmentally-friendly ways of doing things that were once environmentally damaging.

To us, this isn't a trend, it's a belief. Next week, we're going to be looking at some of the old ways of doing things and how creativity and technology can ensure "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle": three cornerstones of being green and of our mission here at The Refinishing Touch.

Labels: "Reduce, Environment, Green, Recycle", Reuse

We were delighted to see an article we contributed to published in the latest issue of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association's (AAHOA) Lodging Business Magazine.

The journalist who penned the piece, Dan Marcec, interviewed The Refinishing Touch's Founder and President, Mario Insenga. Dan's resulting story, titled "Function in a Classic Form" portrays our commitment, dedication and principles including our views on the value of refurbishment and The Refinishing Touch's commitment to preserving the environment.

You can read the whole article in the news section on our site.

Labels: AAHOA, Lodging Business, The Refinishing Touch

If you've been watching this space, or even just stumbled on our blog for a quick look, you will have noticed that we're intrigued and invested in hospitality industry. As news of today's hard-hitting times continues to drape the pages of just about every publication available, we've taken note of some trends; and highlighted five that seem to be at the forefront of the airwaves and editors' minds in the wake of the current downturn:

1. Travel industry's gloomy outlook – The airline industry has reported some of the largest passenger declines since the early 1980s.

2. Hospitality cutting back – Amenities and luxuries in hotels being reevaluated by some of the industry's largest luxury hotels.

3. Hotels working to get the world traveling again – Hotels have begun offering low rate travel packages as a means to put bodies back in rooms that have been showing vacancies more often than not.

4. Government involvement – The stimulus bill looks to create jobs across all industries, and is estimated to create or maintain 346,000 jobs for the hospitality industry.

5. Hotels turn to asset management – Hoteliers have begun turning to asset management as a means to save on bottom lines while maintaining the quality of stay on their properties for travelers.

But it's not all doom and gloom: In the next week we're going to look and question some possible benefits that have come from each of these.

Labels: economy, Hospitality, travel, trends

Last week, The US House of Representatives voted for an official extension to the analog switch off from the original date of February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009.

Though almost all stations are already broadcasting in digital, the Washington Post reported that an estimated 14 million households across America still depend on analog broadcasts. The delayed date comes as a response from the government after many speculated whether the government was following all necessary steps to provide assistance for Americans through the transition.

Consumers who elect to keep their analog televisions will need a converter box to receive digital broadcasts.

A Neilsen research note from January of 2009 found that more than 6.5 million households were not ready for the switch and more that 3.7 million consumers are still on a waiting list to receive vouchers from the Department of Commerce that promises a discount on converter boxes.

At TRT, we are continuing in our initiatives to work with key players in the hospitality industry to ensure that they are ready for the digital transition. Hoteliers purchasing new digital flat screen TVs are faced with needing to house the new TVs in armoires that cannot accommodate the size and shape of the new TVs. By working with existing assets, we have been able to provide an economically sound solution to our customers with our armoire modification process.

The digital switch has its affect on consumers, business owners and industry players alike. How have you been affected by the switch?

Labels: Analogue Switch, Hospitality, hotel, Neilsen

As Valentine's Day approaches, we've found ourselves curious about how this Hallmark holiday would fare against the big bad recession. In times full of doom and gloom, the hospitality industry is finding that in the battle between money woes and love, love has overcome- so far.

Valentine's Day 2009 couldn't fall on a better day. Not only are Valentine's Day lovers lucky to have a Saturday to celebrate, they also have a long weekend. Here in the States Monday, February 16^th is Presidents Day, and for most- a day off.

Hospitality players have already been slashing prices in efforts to keep people traveling. Airline fares are down, and hotels are offering Valentine's Day weekend packages at discounted rates- even throwing in a bottle of champagne and rose petal baths in some establishments!

USA Today reported that consumers are expected to cut back this Valentine's Day, but a local Maryland newspaper has quoted managers from jewelry stores and restaurants that have yet to see any major cut backs in sales, nor are they expecting to see those effects.

However you or your loved ones choose to spend this coming weekend, we at The Refinishing Touch would like to extend our wishes to everyone for a Happy Valentine's Day and a relaxing long weekend.

Labels: Hospitality, Valentine's Day

In a time when most everything is uncertain, people are looking for strength and stability anywhere they can find it. News of companies cutting thousands of jobs has saturated nearly every medium of communication for what is coming on about 5 months now, and American’s are joined by their fellow global citizens in wondering when it’s all going to turn around.

President Obama has tirelessly spent the last focal weeks urging members of Congress to pass his stimulus bill that has outlined what we’re sure will not be the last of his efforts to begin the climb out of this deepening recession. His bill proposes tax cuts that are estimated to put Americans back to work with the creation of between 1.2 million to 3.6 million jobs, and an estimated 346,000 of them are expected to go to the hospitality industry.

An article in USA Today recently stated that the majority of the jobs expected to come out of Obama’s bill will only replace those lost to the recession. As we continue to hear about members of Congress dividing amongst party lines over the facets of the $819 billion bill, we as Americans are left yearning for a ray of hope. As members of the hospitality industry we continue to look to any opportunity that will bring positive change to our industry. We as Americans look to our Congressional representatives and urge them to come to a compromise with one another that will both nationally and globally present a bill to begin the long journey out of hardship that lies ahead of us.

Labels: Hospitality, President Barack Obama, Stimulus

Earlier in the week, we blogged about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the views of the U.S. Travel Association, in support of the suggestions put forward by Roger Dow, the association's president and CEO. For anyone in doubt, figures show that following a decline in the lodging and the airline industries in the final quarter of 2008, predictions for 2009 are bleak.

PricewaterhouseCoopers announced a revised lodging forecast earlier this month, based on current forecasts for the U.S. economy combined with historical data from Smith Travel Research. In this, PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts an 11.2 percent decrease in room revenue per available room (RevPAR) during 2009 - after a 1.9 percent decline in 2008.

The forecast for room occupancies also shows a decline. Robert Mandelbaum, of PKF Hospitality Research states: "This is… the lowest in 30 years."

Airlines are also declaring a marked decrease in customers. USA Today reported that Las Vegas airport has experienced its biggest passenger decline since 1981. The numbers released by the Clark County Department of Aviation include a 14.1% decline in December to about 3.2 million, and highlights how the recession has undercut Las Vegas tourism. This reflects the biggest year-over-year percentage decline since traffic fell from 10.3 million in 1980 to 9.5 million in 1981.

Despite this, Delta Air Lines which has seen the biggest losses, remains optimistic. CEO Richard Anderson admits that Delta will still be in the red in the traditionally weak first quarter, but overall he is "expecting profitability in 2009 and a growing cash position." This is due to the fact that Delta expects to save about $5 billion through lower fuel prices this year, about a $1 billion through capacity cuts and $500 million in streamlining benefits from its merger with Northwest.

With less disposable income to spare people will travel more selectively. This means that all elements of the hospitality sector: airlines, public transportation, hotels, motels, resorts, and restaurants, need to deliver a consistently strong customer experience and to promote their services to encourage visitors.

Labels: Airline Industry, Hospitality, US Travel Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers

Last week, Roger Dow the president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the non-profit that represents the US travel industry, sent a letter to the House and Senate. It contained broad support of the funding proposals contained within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with the proposal of two measures:

"Authorize the creation of a travel promotion program to attract millions of additional international visitors and deliver billions in new spending for the economy;" and "Invest necessary funds to transform the current air traffic control system into a 21st century system that will deliver economic growth and enhance national mobility for travelers."

There is no denying that promoting travel and indeed promoting America, is a fundamental requirement to boost the economy. And as a frequent traveler that visits clients of ours from casinos in Las Vegas and luxury chains coast-to-coast to country resorts, I know from personal experience that traveling across America by air can be frustrating. Travel is vital to our economy.

On a more optimistic note, we have a country that offers so much. As part of my work I get to marvel at the variety, scenery, location, facilities and opportunities offered by America. From business centers to beach locations, mountain getaways and luxury golf resorts, the people, scenery, history: the United States is a great tourist destination and we should all contribute to this effort.

The Department of Commerce has stated that without travel promotion, overseas travel to the United States is expected to decline by more than three percent in 2009. Meanwhile the U.S. Travel Association estimates that a one-percent increase in the U.S. market share of world international travel would add $15 billion to the U.S. economy, $1.3 billion in new federal tax revenue and $1.1 billion in new state and local tax revenue.

I echo Mr. Dow's sentiments: let's tell the world of the why America is a great destination for business and pleasure and make the experience for each visitor – whether American or international – a good one.

Labels: US Travel Association; Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; Robert Dow