322 hotels and 67,680 rooms are expected to open throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2012, according to Lodging Econometrics. A three-year topping-off period is expected for new openings through 2012.

The company reported global RevPAR up 3.9 percent overall and 7.4 percent in the second quarter, with Asia leading the charge. Occupancy drove RevPAR increases, but rates are stabilizing across the world, CEO Andrew Cosslett said.

Starwood Capital's Louvre Hotels has appointed Christie + Co to market the company's UK group of 18 hotels, which comprises 17 Campanile assets and one Première Classe-branded property.

A rise in demand coupled with sustainable cuts the industry made during the downturn have leaders optimistic about the short- and long-term future.

Asia Pacific's emergence as a global player in hospitality is set to continue with sales from this region forecast to contribute approximately $3.7 billion or 29 percent of global sales.

New hotel openings in Europe peaked in 2008 and are declining. New hotel openings in the Middle East and Africa are expected to reach cyclical highs over the next two years, according to Lodging Econometrics.

A first-of-its-kind poll of business travelers from four major economies commissioned by Marriott Hotels & Resorts indicates that 2010 may be shaping up as a year of transition from economic pessimism to greater confidence.

The move is part of an overall global restructuring of the company to focus on growth in emerging markets with a local focus. Guilherme Cesari has been named VP of development for Brazil.

CHTA and the American Resort Development Assn. to continue expansion of the vacation ownership industry in the Caribbean.

EUHOFA International is an association founded in Europe in 1955 for hotel/tourism school administrators, owners and senior managers. The event is from Nov. 7-12 in Providence, R.I.