18 minute read
AHICE 2023: EXCLUSIVES
from HM June 2023
AHICE exclusives
REPORTS ON A FLURRY OF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND KEY SIGNINGS AT AHICE 2023.
Radisson Hotel Group and La Vie partner on over 30 hotels
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has signed an agreement with La Vie Hotels and Resorts to add over 30 hotels to the group’s portfolio over the next decade.
The move will enable La Vie to develop, manage, and operate properties under the Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, and Country Inn and Suites by Radisson brands, under a non-exclusive brand collaboration agreement.
“We’ve enjoyed a strong partnership with La Vie Hotels and Resorts with successful property conversions in Sri Lanka to-date,” said Radisson Hotel Group Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer, Elie Younes.
“This latest news marks the next step on our journey together and the expansion of our partnership across key regional markets. Radisson Hotel Group is known for delivering the highest standards of hospitality, and the expansion of our portfolio will enable more guests to enjoy all that our brands have to offer.”
Principal Partner Message
Andrew Bullock, 1834 Hotels
AHICE 2023 PROVIDED a platform for industry professionals to delve into the future of the hotel industry, paving the way for success, with invaluable networking opportunities.
The buzz surrounding the white label hotel management offering was undeniable, with attendees expressing great enthusiasm about its role as a future trend.
The discussions centred around the opportunities and benefits this innovative approach brings to hotel owners and developers.
1834 Hotels, well aware of the emerging market dynamics, made the most of AHICE 2023.
Our presence at the conference allowed us to position ourselves as frontrunners in capitalising on the potential of the white label hotel management offering. With industry expertise and innovative solutions, 1834 Hotels is poised to make a significant impact in this evolving landscape.
The conference acted as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and connections. Attendees were eager to explore opportunities with potential hotel owners and developers, recognising the value and versatility of partnering with white label management operators.
Looking ahead, 1834 Hotels looks forward to the opportunity to engage with potential hotel owners and developers, to discuss how our white label hotel management offering can unlock new possibilities for growth and success.
Wyndham announces key signings in Australasia
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is set to grow its operational Australasia portfolio to more than 50 hotels by the end of the year with the announcement of four key signings as well as two openings in the region.
The signings include a 117-key Ramada by Wyndham Kings Head, Adelaide which is slated to open by the end of 2024. The hotel will be built on the site of the former Kings Head hotel, which is one of the oldest historic pubs in Australia, datng back to 1848.
A 35-key Ramada Seafront Apartments on Fiji’s Coral Coast is set to open towards the end of this year. Located in Sigatoka, between the key cities of Suva and Nadi, the property will offer leisure guests access to the region’s great reefs, diving trips and water sport experiences.
Another Fiji property is on the way in late 2023 with the opening of a 90key beachfront property Wyndham Garden Wailoaloa Beach, Fiji. Across the Tasman, Wyndham will introduce a 60-key Wyndham Garden Suites property near the famous Lake Tekapo on the South Island of New Zealand in mid-2024.
Principal Partner Message
Sarah Derry, Accor Pacific
AHICE 2023 WAS a showcase of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry, and attendees had the opportunity to network, share ideas, and learn from each other, providing insights for hotels and resorts looking to stay ahead of the curve.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the increasing importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry. With speakers emphasising the need for hotels and resorts to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt more eco-friendly practices. This includes everything from using renewable energy sources to reducing food waste and promoting local sourcing.
Another important takeaway from the conference was the rise of technology in the industry.
From AI-powered chatbots to mobile check-in and keyless room access, hotels are embracing technology to improve the guest experience and streamline operations.
The conference also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in our industry, and we must continue to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for guests and team members from all backgrounds. This includes everything from promoting diversity in hiring to offering culturally sensitive amenities and services.
Overall, the AHICE conference in Adelaide was a great opportunity for our industry to connect.
On behalf of the attendees of AHICE 2023, I would like to thank HM magazine for hosting this event.
Accor opens BreakFree and Mantra hotels in Sydney
Accor has signed a deal with owner Sachin Sabharwal to introduce two new Sydney hotels, BreakFree on Broadway Sydney and Mantra Castle Hill Sydney.
BreakFree on Broadway Sydney features 47 refurbished guestrooms, an onsite café, a reading area on level three, and a boardroom for up to 10 delegates.
The 82-room Mantra Castle Hill Sydney will feature a gym, barbeque deck and continental breakfast offering.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Sachin Sabharwal and unveil two new hotels in Sydney,” said Accor Pacific CEO, Sarah Derry.
“These properties bring new opportunities for our communities and guests.”
Sachin Sabharwal is the Founder and CEO of microstay booking platform TimeFlyz and has worked in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. “I have always wanted to partner with a global brand like Accor,” he said.
Principal Partner Message
Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts
IT WAS A pleasure to be back in Adelaide for AHICE 2023 to catch up with colleagues, hear from key government and industry leaders and feel the buzz in the air.
Growth, talent trends and key industry outlooks were just some of the big topics on the agenda.
As IHG’s CEO, EMEAA, Kenneth Macpherson noted in AHICE’s first global keynote Q&A, despite various challenges facing the industry there is strong confidence in its resilience and the global recovery of travel and accommodation.
It was inspiring to hear IHG’s SVP Managing Director JAPAC, Leanne Harwood, in conversation with BuildingPride’s Chief Enabler of Change and Schiavello Construction Director, Christopher Schiavello, on a topic that we’re all extremely passionate about – making meaningful change in the diversity, equity and inclusion space.
For IHG Hotels & Resorts, AHICE 2023 was the perfect moment to celebrate some exciting milestones.
We were thrilled to announce a major Fiji signing with Wailoaloa Hotel Pte Ltd to open Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa in late 2023, and a significant franchise agreement with Pro-Invest Group to open new Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point.
Thank you, and congratulations to the HM team, for hosting such a stimulating event.
La Vie launches upscale lifestyle brand NOOE
La Vie Hotels and Resorts is launching a new lifestyle brand with the opening of a new-build island resort in the Maldives.
NOOE – which stands for Never Odd Or Even – promises buzzy lobbies, locally-loved restaurants and sharply-designed work spaces.
“The NOOE brand brings together what it means to live a balanced lifestyle; blending work, play, relaxation, good food and drink, and adventure all into one, and we are excited to grow the brand in other resort and urban locations,” said La Vie Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, Craig Bond.
The first resort, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi, features 72 bungalows and villas – 39 of which are over water. The two-storey overwater villas feature private plunge pools and a large deck area. The resort also includes six food and beverage outlets, a watersports centre, kids club, boutique store and spa.
Principal Partner Message
Craig Hooley, Minor Hotels
IT’S SAFE TO say that attendees of AHICE 2023 departed another successful event with confidence that the hotel and hospitality industry is back in full swing, and with an overwhelming sense of optimism in its future.
Our International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier spoke with James Wilkinson during his Keynote Q&A of the strong future global growth plans for Minor Hotels, while the Regional Tourism Outlook panel that I joined featured discussion on the ongoing opportunity and growth in that space.
Proactive and performance-driven, Minor Hotels is one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality groups, with a diverse portfolio of brands and an international network of more than 530 hotels resorts and branded residences across six continents.
As owner-operators, we understand both the challenges and opportunities hotel owners face, and while we have enjoyed global expansion over the years, we have not forgotten our origins.
We are committed to the development of our Oaks, NH, NH Collection, Avani, Avani+ and Anantara brands in the region. It was fantastic to hold valuable meetings with hotel investors and lenders on the development of market beating performance projects.
Our owners and partners are seeking flexibility, creativity, and support, backed by expertise, which is why we offer a range of partnership models including HMA and Lease agreements, as well as Franchise Partnerships.
Many thanks to HM Magazine for hosting another successful event.
Accommodation Australia unveils new brand
United industry body Accommodation Australia officially launched its new logo at AHICE 2023 with President Leanne Harwood and CEO Michael Johnson unveiling the design to delegates on stage.
Speaking ahead of the official amalgamation day, slated for July 1, 2023, Harwood talked about the long road to create a united voice for the industry.
“There’s been a lot of blood sweat and tears to get us to this point,” she said. “There’s been a huge amount of effort from so many people across the board for many, many years.”
Johnson, CEO of Tourism Accommodation Australia and interim CEO of Accommodation Association, spoke about the importance of being both authentic and approachable.
“We are here to work for the industry, one voice; we’re not competing with each other which is a very, very important and productive way to be operating,” he said.
Principal Partner Message
Jan Smits, Pro-invest Group
THIS YEAR’S AHICE conference brought industry leaders together to forge connections, share ideas and drive progress. These moments are invaluable for us all to collaborate as investors, owners and partners in this ever-changing landscape.
After recent years, the continued resilience of hospitality is unmistakable; and with a growing global presence this strength has been mirrored by Pro-invest Group. 2022 was a record year of openings for the company and this year we will add Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point and Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders to our portfolio of over 30 hotels and nearly 6,000 keys.
In his panel session, our Founder and Chair, Ronald Barrott, emphasised the growing recognition among institutional investors of the immense potential within the hospitality sector. Our integrated model stands as a testament to this, facilitating comprehensive in-house asset management from acquisition and development to operations, while concurrently offering thirdparty management services. This positions us as a singular solution, creating value across the entire lifecycle to yield sustainable and profitable investments.
As we reflect on the insights shared at AHICE, we’re more confident than ever in our industry, the APAC market, and Pro-invest Group’s ability to support investors, owners, and guests in this dynamic environment.
IHG to open first Crowne Plaza in Fiji at Nadi Bay in late 2023
IHG is set to bring its flagship Crowne Plaza brand to Fiji for the first time following a major signing with Wailoaloa Hotel Pte Ltd.
Opening in late 2023, following a multimillion-dollar conversion and extension of the Pullman Nadi Bay, the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa will give IHG a dominant presence in the airport town of Nadi and take the group’s portfolio in Fiji to five hotels.
“Fiji holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of travellers from around the world, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our presence in Fiji and to be adding our globally
recognised Crowne Plaza brand to the island,” said IHG’s Managing Director – Australasia & Pacific, Matt Tripolone.
Along with a refresh of the existing 324 rooms, there will be a further 66 new twobedroom family rooms and 16 ocean facing king suites added to the accommodation offering. The resort will also include a new day spa with six double treatment rooms, a new 600-seat convention centre, and seven dining outlets, including a lobby bar, whisky bar, all-day dining restaurant, Italian restaurant, beach club and a nightclub.
Principal Partner Message
David Mansfield, Ascott Australia
ASCOTT AUSTRALIA’S BALANCED stakeholder approach across our growing brand network — Ascott, Citadines, Somerset, Quest Apartment Hotels, lyf and Oakwood — has cemented our position as Australasia’s largest serviced apartment operator.
Whether working to elevate the guest experience or grow returns for our partners, every decision aims to add value to our internal and external stakeholders that have helped forged Ascott into the serviced apartment market leader it is today.
Ascott continues to gain market share by weaving our brands into a collaborative network that services the breadth of the Australian accommodation market. Whether it’s a luxurious Oakwood Premier delivering high-end services for corporate travellers in CBDs, a lyf tapping into local coworking appetites in corporate hubs to provide in-demand co-living spaces or a suburban Quest whose local business owners help guests connect with the local communities they operate in, only Ascott brings this range of serviced apartments to the market.
We understand ongoing trusting relationships across the board are crucial to our success. Having led the industry for over three decades, we’re not resting on our laurels. We’ll deliver 220 properties across the Ascott Australia network by the end of the decade as we evolve to meet changing market and partner needs.
BWH to launch new villa-style accommodation
BWH Hotel Group (BWH) is set to open a newbuild hotel in Hervey Bay, Queensland under its soft brand offering, BW Signature Collection.
“We are delighted to share our new openings with the audience at AHICE and this new signing is no exception,” said BWH Hotel Group’s Managing Director Australasia, Graham Perry,
“We’re excited to partner with Place Property Group to achieve a white label brand that’ll stand out amongst BWH’s soft brand offerings. This new-build property will exude a unique design and provide an exceptional stay worthy of the destination its established in.”
South Harbour Hervey Bay, set to open in 2025, will be made up of four houses, 10 villa style homes, plus eight duplexes – all with modern architectural design and easy access to the beach. It is the third property under the BW Signature Collection in Australia.
Principal Partner Message
Leanne Harwood, Accommodation Australia
QUITE APART FROM the opportunity to catch up with so many friends, one of the highlights of AHICE for me was the release of the new Accommodation Australia branding.
The branding, which includes a bold new logo, represents a united voice and the culmination of extensive consultation across many years and a huge effort from so many people to create the right vehicle to help move our industry forward with one united voice.
Throughout AHICE, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the hospitality industry echoed strongly. As a leader, I am deeply passionate about fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table.
The conference also served as a reminder of the vital role that the hospitality industry plays in our communities and economies. As hoteliers, we have the responsibility to continuously strive for excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible. AHICE provided a platform for collaboration and learning, where industry leaders came together to share insights, strategies, and best practices that will shape the future of our industry.
We have the responsibility to continuously strive for excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Ascott to open Sydney lyf, Oakwood Epping
The Ascott Limited is set to open two new properties – in Sydney’s CBD and Melbourne’s outer north suburb of Epping – under the lyf and Oakwood brands respectively.
“As the Australian arm of Ascott, lyf Sussex Sydney and Oakwood Epping are part of our proven global strategy that is focused on delivering hospitality solutions that elevate the guest experience,” said
Ascott Australia Managing Director, David Mansfield, at AHICE 2023.
“Every decision is grounded in meeting current market trends and future needs of our modern-day travellers.”
The 160-key lyf property on Sussex Street in Sydney, is the third Australian property for the co-living brand and is expected to open in mid-2025.
Serviced apartment brand Oakwood will launch its third Australian property in Epping with a 94-key mixed-use development at the corner of Fullarton Drive and Cooper St. The hotel, which Ascott is aiming to open in early 2026, will offer a mix of studios, one- and twobedroom apartments, and twin key two- and three- bedroom apartments, a gym, conference facilities, cafe, and office space.
Principal Partner Message
Barry Robinson, Travel + Leisure Co.
IN MAY, THE Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE), brought together the most influential names in the global accommodation sector. With over 1,400 delegates from around the world, the event featured world-class speakers, panel sessions, and networking opportunities that explored a diverse range of topics from hotel development to technology and culture.
As the hotel event where deals get done, AHICE attracted some of the biggest investors and decision makers in the industry, from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and across Australia.
As Michael Brown, President and CEO of Travel + Leisure Co., emphasised in his session, we are starting to see a resurgence of international travel, and this should gain even more momentum with countries like Japan and China having reopened their borders.
Adelaide has a busy calendar of events, and we were delighted to return for AHICE and to showcase our first hotel for South Australia – the brand-new TRYP Pulteney Street Adelaide.
We are proud to have sponsored AHICE and to have supported an event that plays such a vital role in shaping the future of the hotel industry. Congratulations to the organisers and all those who participated in making this year’s conference a resounding success.
