More tourists coming to CA, San Diego
from San Diego Union Tribune (5/07/2015):
More tourists coming to CA, San Diego
“California is seeing growth in international travel and conventions, and all of the top markets are advertising aggressively, which drives domestic leisure business,” said Robert Rauch, a San Diego hotelier and a former board member of San Diego’s Tourism Marketing District. “Moreover, San Francisco has been growing at a torrid pace due to both Silicon Valley’s economic strength and very strong visitation from both group and leisure markets.
“Anaheim has benefited from Disney’s anniversary year, Los Angeles has reinvented its downtown with L.A. Live, and San Diego is hitting on all cylinders with tourism funding, a strong convention market and improved international travel.”
New questions on the Chargers stadium plan
from San Diego Union Tribune (05.24.2015)
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they ask their final questions in regards to the financing plan for the new Chargers stadium.
Are there any outstanding questions you have on the financing plan for the new Chargers stadium?
Bob Rauch: Yes
“While I applaud the CSAG report, what is not addressed clearly is how the city or county would handle potential litigation delays. Given the history of lawsuits on public projects, it would be worth understanding the strategies that may be employed to battle those litigious few — we all know who they are — and ensure that this does not unreasonably delay a future stadium.
Further, will the use of public money have any impact on the planned convention center expansion?
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Slow consumer spending a concern?
from San Diego Union Tribune (05.15.2015)
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they discuss the consumer spending rate.
Are you concerned that consumer spending is not increasing at the same healthy rate as job growth?
Bob Rauch: Yes
“There has been a lack of real wage growth since the Great Recession. This does not bode well for long-term economic prospects or decreasing the wage gap between the lowest and highest earners. The economy is being propped up by international investment and spending because the U.
S. is still viewed as one of the safest places to invest. Wage growth must be addressed to get consumer spending back on track.
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San Diego water agencies should impose a building moratorium due to the drought?
from San Diego Union Tribune (05.08.2015)
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they discuss the possible drought control strategy.
Is there a point at which San Diego water agencies should impose a building moratorium due to the drought?
Bob Rauch: No
“Building moratoriums stifle economic growth. Countries with far fewer water resources than California have managed to make do by making water projects a priority.
Take a look at many countries in the Middle East which have had droughts for decades. California should fast-track approval for projects designed to meet our water needs including water recapture, recycling and desalination plants among others.
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Is California is ready for the potential economic devastation of the “Big One”?
from San Diego Union Tribune (05.01.2015)
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they discuss if California is ready for the potential economic devastation of the “Big One”.
In the wake of the earthquake in Nepal, is California ready for the potential economic devastation of the “Big One”?
Bob Rauch: Yes
“Even with California’s budget constraints, the state has proven its resiliency time and again, especially in the aftermath of major earthquakes. While we can only do so much to plan, inevitable federal assistance and the state’s economy will be able to bear the brunt of the “Big One.
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The Hospitality Industry from a Management Persepctive
As we continue to be innovative in the way we operate our hotels, we want to ensure we are providing you with the most relevant and up-to-date information. This month our own Bob Rauch provides you insight on the hotel industry from a management company’s perspective.
Management Company Perspective
- What key components have contributed to the growth of RAR over the last 6 months?
At RAR we are actively and continually involved in all facets of the tourism and hospitality industry. We have focused on bringing the latest trends to each hotel with a focus on driving revenue and building loyalty. After generating revenue, we concentrate on optimizing that revenue and converting it to net income. We are always cognizant of asset value and net income is what measures that value.
Innovative digital marketing and social media marketing and management helps our portfolio stay ahead of the trends and reach guests in new and inventive ways. We have also developed a successful operating strategy that combines knowledge transfer across properties and segments with agility in deploying resources. These resources are laser-focused on achieving the hotel owner’s investment and strategic goals. (more…)
The 3 pillars of real-time marketing at hotels
from HotelNewsNow (April 30, 2015)
Real-time marketing takes place on a regular basis while incorporating quality content, revenue management and social media.
It consists of three main components that should be a focus within our strategic marketing plan.
Is there an economic bonus for outspoken corporate social activism?
from San Diego Union Tribune (04.12.2015)
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they discuss if there is an economic bonus for outspoken corporate social activism.
Is there an economic bonus for outspoken corporate social activism, as witnessed in the recently passed religious freedom laws?
Bob Rauch: Yes
“Corporations have a responsibility to be good stewards of the community and speak out against discrimination that has rightfully been banned in the workplace. Corporations have proven that capitalism is blind to bigotry and politics should do the same.
There is an economic benefit to actively taking a stand, but that is not the reason a good corporate citizen speaks out.
It is the right thing to do.”
R.A. Rauch & Associates and PacVentures Expand Arizona Presence
from Hotel Online (03.15.2015)
R.A. Rauch & Associates and PacVentures Expand Arizona Presence with Acquisition of Two hotels
In partnership with PacVentures, San Diego hospitality management and consulting firm R.A. Rauch & Associates acquired two Arizona hotel properties in February 2015. Combined with the January opening of its reflagged Radisson Hotel Phoenix North, R.A. Rauch & Associates’ purchase of the Quality Inn & Suites Tucson Airport North and the Country Inn & Suites Deer Valley is quickly solidifying the firm’s status as a go-to for hotel expertise in the southwest region. Read more
Fast track trade authority: A must for U.S. economy?
from San Diego Union Tribune (03.20.2015)
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they discuss Obama’s request to speed agreements:
Fast track trade authority: A must for U.S. Economy?
Bob Rauch: Yes
“Whether or not you agree with President Obama’s politics, it is important that any president be able to negotiate trade agreements without fear that the deal could be scuttled on amendment in Congress. Free trade has demonstrated its ability to create economic growth through tariff reductions, market access, and greater opportunities for investment.
While one of the biggest objections to fast track authority has been labor and human rights protections, President Obama’s policies should give confidence to fast track authority detractors that any trade deal negotiated will protect these.
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