voco expands IHG portfolio
IHG’s newly launched brand, voco, will add more than 200 hotels globally over the next decade. The newly introduced voco will focus primarily on conversion opportunities and will strengthen IHG’s offer in the $40 billion upscale segment that is expected to grow by a further $20 billion by 2025.
Meaning ‘to invite’ or to ‘come together’ in Latin, voco will combine the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand.
Three critical moments on the guest journey have been identified through deep customer insight where voco can create a compelling guest experience are: ‘Come on in’ – a signature welcome experience, swift and simple check-in with an unexpected, locally influenced treat to kick-off a guest’s stay. ‘Me time’ – encouraging guests to take a moment for themselves with extra cosy beds and bedding, quality bathroom amenities, rejuvenating aerated showers, a variety of viewing content on Smart TVs and excellent connectivity in every room. ‘voco life’ – vibrant and sociable bar and lounge spaces that work for different moments of the day, so that guests always have space to relax and enjoy.
Mantra now part of AccorHotels
IN a $1.3 billion bid, AccorHotels has completed the acquisition of Mantra Group’s portfolio of Mantra, Peppers, BreakFree and Art Series brands, representing 138 hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Bali.
Michael Issenberg, chairman and chief operating officer of AccorHotels Asia Pacific said, “The Mantra Group is the latest chapter in the strong growth story of AccorHotels in the region. Since our launch with the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour in 1991, AccorHotels has become the largest hotel group in the Pacific, and Australia has always played a key role in that story.”
With this deal, AccorHotels will now operate over 330 hotels and resorts across Australia and over 900 throughout Asia Pacific. AccorHotels will also be the largest employer on the Gold Coast, outside of government.
Mint raises stake in NH Hotel
MINOR International (Mint) has reached an agreement to acquire 30,000,000 shares in NH Hotel Group in a transaction valued at $222 million, increasing its stake in NH Hotel Group to 8.6 per cent. NH Hotel Group is on a strong growth trajectory as it has successfully enhanced operational efficiencies across its group in recent years and is also now benefitting from the improving European macroeconomic outlook, both of which have been reflected in its strengthening financial results and rising ADRs. NH Hotel Group has a portfolio of 382 hotels and resorts with 59,350 keys spanning across 30 countries in Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Dillip Rajakarier, chief operating officer of Minor Hotels, commented, “This investment represents a significant milestone for Minor Hotels. We are excited by the opportunity to accelerate our global exposure with our investment in NH Hotel Group, which has a highly complementary business and asset portfolio to Mint. The investment is financially attractive, with high liquidity on the Madrid Stock Exchange and proven performance by the business.”
Dusit International expands portfolio
DUSIT International has announced its plans to open at least 10 new properties over the next 12 months across Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore and Vietnam – raising the number of Dusit-branded properties in operation to 37. The brand is looking to operate 14,000 keys across more than 20 countries by 2021. Today, the company operates 27 hotels, representing over 7,000 keys, across nine countries.
Dusit’s brand lineup, which covers midscale through to luxury segments, comprises Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, and Dusit Princess. The company also recently introduced ASAI Hotels, an offshoot, affordable lifestyle brand designed to link millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in vibrant destinations worldwide. Five ASAI Hotels are already in the pipeline: one in Bangkok, three in the Philippines, and one in Myanmar.