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Bad News for Hotel Newspapers

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Posted: 22 May 2009 | 8:01 am

Not only is the global demand for printed versions of newspapers on the wane, or some would say their inevitable demise, now one of the worlds largest hotel chains Marriott has stopped providing newspaper delivery to guess rooms in the US. The hotel chain cites estimated demand has shrunk by 25% from guest comments and research.

Here in Asia certainly there is a growing trend in popularity for online papers which saw the demise in Hong Kong of the Standard being relegated to a give away while the South China Morning Post continues to keep a step in both the print and digital markets. Here in Thailand the leading Bangkok Dailies are upping the ante in terms of web based content and Phuket has seen a flourish of activity amongst the existing paper and up and coming on line news providers.

That given there is nothing I enjoy more then settling in to a cup of coffee over a morning paper, it appears that this generation could very much be the last before we start booting up on line and try to make sure that you don't spill that latte. Conversely the environmental trend in cutting paper usage will hail this development at the same times its electricity that powers up the new digital editions.

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It seems that this is one of the classic penny pinching cost iniatives we all go through presently. Best is still ask the customers if they want a news paper. Some guests will walk to the competitors who still provide them a free newspaper. Might seem a small thing, but its a big deal if you like to have a read with your morning coffee.

Bill Barnett responds:
One thing we have seen hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott in Bangkok is place a number of free newspapers in the lobby and restaurant which are readily available to read and also to take, that approach seems to work well so that is an alternative.

Wolfgang.Meusburger, 23 May 2009 | 2:25 pm

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