HM JUNE 2024

AHICE heads to Fiji

Our official preview of the AHICE Fiji Islands Investment in Tourism Summit.

THE BUSINESS OF ACCOMMODATION IN ASIA-PACIFIC Vol.28 No.3 Bi-monthly June 2024

207mm WIDTH

Immersive

EDUCATION

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School spills the secrets of training the next generation of top hoteliers.

IN THIS ISSUE: AUSTRALASIA DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK, GLOBAL TRAVEL INSIGHTS, KEY SIGNINGS AND MORE

The world’s leading guest engagement & upsell platform is set for its most exciting upgrade yet Featuring a new dynamic layout with an enhanced user-friendly experience, our Business iQ platform allows you to customise the interface to your hotel’s unique personality and offerings.

This is a game-changing technology upgrade that 550+ Australian hotels are eagerly awaiting.

Elevate guest engagement at your hotel to a new category, while driving transactions to new levels.

The upcoming upgrade is complimentary to our Business iQ subscribers and part of our ongoing lifetime warranty. All updates occur over-the-air via our Cloud based server, so there’s nothing to do except let your guests enjoy the experience.

With an all-new digital compendium

And a dynamic, user-friendly layout

Book an in-person or online demo today.

Call 1300 138 898

Or feel free to send any questions to business.iq@foxtel.com.au

If customers say this about Business iQ now, wait until our next upgrade!

“

Now, we receive compliments about the wide variety of channels, video On Demand library etc. We are not referencing the odd comment but rather frequent, if not daily.

ROB WEEDEN General Manager

“

We can confidently say that we are offering our guests the very best in in-room entertainment. The comprehensive nature of Business iQ allows guests to unwind their way.

BODELLE FRANCIS Fmr General Manager

“

Foxtel Business iQ encompasses an abundance of premium channels, an unprecedented On-Demand library and seamless casting functionality which all our guests love.

“

We have been able to put the system under enormous pressure while we were looking after long stay guests. It didn’t fail us. I have attached the feedback one of our guest gave us about the system.

GLEN ERICKSON General Manager

“

“

The integration of QR codes allows us to present information about our hotel straight to guests. We can also include our official hotel video to be playing seamlessly through the system.

PETER TUDEHOPE General Manager

Business iQ has played a significant role in improving guest satisfaction, leading to increased recommendations and repeat stays.

Guests appreciate the convenience and quality of the in-room entertainment.

“

AKASH SHARMA General Manager

It’s a one stop shop. The compendium, On Demand movies, guest information and the TV channels are all together, and our guests can use the casting as well if they want.

RACHAEL HARMAN Fmr General Manager

“

VINCENT BELLEROSE Franchisee

The digital compendium, local attractions, guest messaging and on-screen advertising are all great features that provide convenience and exclude additional third-party subscriptions.

WENDY LESTER Director

$ Guest upsell platform

Cloud technology

Lifetime value

Infinite entertainment

Modern UX

3 - 4 JULY 2024 SOFITEL FIJI RESORT AND SPA DENARAU ISLAND, FIJI

OUR 2024 PARTNERS AND SPONSORS Presented by

Hosted by

Co-hosted by

Principal Partners

Diamond Sponsors

Emerald Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

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Media and Industry Partners AUSTRALASIA-PACIFIC

SYMPOSIUM

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Organised by

CONTENTS AHICE FIJI ISLANDS 30 The schedule for the inaugural AHICE Fiji Islands Summit with speaker highlights and a message from Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill.

AHICE UNWRAPPED 38 All the action from the 15th annual

JUNE

2024

Vol. 28 No.3

AHICE Asia Pacific in Adelaide.

AHICE EXCLUSIVES 42 Key signings and announcements from ‘The Hotel Event Where Deals Get Done’.

DESIGN FOR GOOD 52 Highlights from the 2024 Design Inn Symposium.

FUTURE LEADERS 56 Nicole Burg shares her experience of the 2024 Future Leaders Forum.

DAYS OF OLD 58 Inside The Robertson House – Ascott’s first Crest Collection property in Asia Pacific.

GLOBAL AMBITION 60 Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts President and CEO Yoshiki Kaneda on future directions.

UNITED FOR GROWTH 62 Travel and Leisure Co. President and Managing Director of International Operations, Barry Robinson, talks Accor Vacation Club acquisition.

FUTURE FOCUS 68 The 2024-2025 Australasian Development Outlook from key development and real estate experts.

HM Q&A

64

Candice D’Cruz on what 64 Hilton’s luxury customers want.

A by Adina expands to Europe

Hilton’s Candice D’Cruz on catering to the luxury customer

REGULARS

30

LETTER 08 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S James Wilkinson reveals exciting

AHICE heads to Fiji

new AHICE locations.

10 Ruth Hogan outlines the must EDITOR’S LETTER

Our official preview of the AHICE Fiji Islands Investment in Tourism Summit.

THE BUSINESS OF ACCOMMODATION IN ASIA-PACIFIC Vol.28 No.3 Bi-monthly June 2024

reads in this issue.

NEED TO KNOW 12 The essential stories you need to know this month.

14 Blue Mountains International Hotel COVER STORY

Management School on training the next generation of hotel industry leaders.

82 Your roundup of the key hotel ON THE MOVE

industry appointments.

6

HM The Business of Accommodation

20

207mm WIDTH

Immersive

EDUCATION

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School spills the secrets of training the next generation of top hoteliers.

IN THIS ISSUE: AUSTRALASIA DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK, GLOBAL TRAVEL INSIGHTS, KEY SIGNINGS AND MORE

On the cover

BMIHMS on training the future workforce.

Your guide to the inaugural AHICE Fiji Islands Summit

25 - 26 SEPTEMBER 2024 TE PAE CHRISTCHURCH CONVENTION CENTRE EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW Hosted by

Principal Partners

Diamond Sponsors

Emerald Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Teal Sponsors

Organised by

ahiceconference.com/aotearoa

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF'S LETTER

AHICE grows across Asia Pacific as the hotel sector soars

F

rom one annual conference in 2021 to seven events in 2024, we are thrilled to be growing our AHICE brand across Asia Pacific.

We have taken the brand from 750 people in 2019, to what is expected to be close to 4000 attendees in 2024 and for us, it’s just the start of some more amazing things to come.

At the Asia-Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition in Adelaide at the start of May we had 1503 people, making it not only the most influential hotel event in the APAC region, but also the largest once more.

I’m over the moon we managed to have over 1500 people over three days in Adelaide and it exceeded all expectations. What I was excited about was the focus for us on featuring a number of new topics on stage alongside all new meeting lounges and of course a pop-up Hilton hotel room outside the Adelaide Oval.

Hilton was one of our Principal Partners for AHICE Asia Pacific and the increased level of branding for the legendary chain comes at a very exciting time for Chief Executive Chris Nassetta’s company.

At the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York in early June, right as this magazine went to the printers, Hilton revealed the company would double its lifestyle portfolio to 700 hotels in the next four years.

The recent addition of Graduate Hotels and NoMad to Hilton’s portfolio, coupled with increasing guest and owner demand, has positioned the company to further accelerate lifestyle category growth.

After adding more than 50 new lifestyle hotels and approving another 100 in 2023, Hilton anticipates opening more than 100 new hotels this year alone across its lifestyle brands, each designed to meet the increased enthusiasm from guests for distinct and localised travel experiences.

What’s exciting for our region is many of Hilton’s lifestyle brands are not in Asia Pacific now and that gives the chain a lot of room to grow even further.

As companies like Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Travel and Leisure, Wyndham and more experience significant growth, we will also look to markets they are targeting for where we also want host AHICE events.

I’m excited to reveal our seventh event will be the launch of AHICE South East Asia in Tokyo on September 5 and it comes at a time when Japan is the hottest hospitality property market in Asia Pacific and demand for new hotels and deals is off the charts.

Before then, we have new events in Fiji (Jul 3-4) and the Maldives (Aug 7) and I hope to see you there.

Enjoy the issue and as always, I look forward to your feedback.

Yours in hospitality,

James Wilkinson Editor-In-Chief, HM magazine Group President, AHICE Global Conferences

Over 1500 people attended the 15th AHICE Asia Pacific in May

The HM global hot list Hotels around the world capturing our attention this month.

ONE: The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon @toranomonedition

TWO: Tempo by Hilton Times Square @tempotimessquare

THREE: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa @sofitelfiji

FOUR: Pan Pacific London @panpacificlondon

Hilton showcased a pop-up Hilton Garden Inn room at the Adelaide Oval 8

HM The Business of Accommodation

EDITOR'S LETTER

Season’s greetings

E

Managing Director

uro summer has officially kicked off and as I write this from my childhood bedroom in the west of Ireland, the sun is shini— ah no… is that rain?

It’s no surprise that at this time of year the airports are jampacked with travellers of all ages, from groups of 20-somethings to golden oldies, jetting off to holiday hotspots around Europe for some fun in the sun.

Gearing up to take on the burgeoning European market is premium Australian brand A by Adina, with the opening of A by Adina Vienna Danube in Austria in 2025. TFE Hotels CEO, Antony Ritch, said “a move into Europe was the natural next step for” the brand (see p20).

Back in the Asia Pacific region, hotels are looking to large conferences and events to drive business. Enter the inaugural AHICE Fiji Islands Summit, coming up in July (p30). Find out what you can expect from the Fiji event and take a moment to relive the highlights from an amazing AHICE Asia Pacific (p38).

The all-important 2024-2025 Development Outlook (p68) is a key feature in this edition, with top development and real estate leaders lending their expert opinion on emerging trends.

In an interview with former AHLA CEO, Chip Rogers, he highlighted the importance of providing hospitality career pathways for a broader range of people, including non-violent offenders who have served their time and asylum seekers, to help plug the labour gap (see p80).

Also in this issue, we have interviews with international leaders including Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc CEO, Yoshiki Kaneda (p60), Travel and Leisure’s Barry Robinson (p62), and Hilton’s APAC luxury lead, Candice D’Cruz (p64).

I hope you enjoy this issue and as always, please feel free to get in touch with any feedback.

Simon Grover

Publisher James Wells

Editor–In–Chief

James Wilkinson jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au

Editor

Ruth Hogan rhogan@intermedia.com.au

Group Commercial Manager

Tara Ducrou tducrou@intermedia.com.au

Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au

Graphic Designer Ryan Vizcarra

Photography

Cover photography by Oneill Photographics.

Subscription enquiries

1800 651 422 Subscribe to HM magazine – 6 issues for AU $88 (inc. GST) subscriptions@intermedia.com.au Ruth Hogan Editor, HM magazine

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The AHLA is exploring ways to make a career in hospitality accessible to more people

Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc CEO, Yoshiki Kaneda, reveals plans for international growth

MEET THE HM TEAM…

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HM The Business of Accommodation

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NEED TO KNOW The essential hotel and travel industry news and trends from across the globe.

Read more at HotelManagement.com.au

Elanor adds eco retreats Glamping experience launches in Mudgee.

ELANOR HOTELS HAS expanded its regional accommodation offering with the recent launch of an eco-friendly and petfriendly glamping experience, Mudgee Retreats.

Located within the 30-acre Parklands Resort Mudgee is 15 design-led canvas tents featuring luxurious four-poster king size beds, private ensuites and an outdoor deck.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

Each of the energy-efficient retreats have been built using the Eco Anchor foundation system and Eco Decking flooring, made from recycled rice husk composite material that provides thermal insulation, resulting in a minimal environmental footprint.

Retreat guests also have access to a private tennis court, indoor pool, fitness centre and heated spa.

NEED TO KNOW

Fresh look for Pearls Bar Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast unveils its newly renovated hotel bar.

SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE Resort, Gold Coast has unveiled a freshly renovated Pearls Bar, nearly 40 years on from its establishment, marking the first major move by new owners the Karedis and Laundy families.

An integral part of the resort since the hotel was built in 1987, the bar was originally known as Breakers Bar and was the guests’ go-to piano and cigar lounge, according to General Manager, Keith Massey.

The latest refurbishment brings a modern luxury experience with rich jewelled tones inspired by the resort’s tropical surrounds.

Pearls Bar is a long-standing venue in the Gold Coast hotel

“As times changed, Pearls Bar naturally evolved alongside the resort,” said Massey.

“The last refurbishment was in 2013, [when] the venue was named Pearls Bar. “It’s no surprise the renovation of Pearls

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

Bar marks the resort’s first step in its journey under new ownership.”

A new menu designed, with a premium guest experience in mind, features a selection of locally sourced produce.

Big Enough to Deliver, Small Enough to Care INNOVATION WITH PASSION

Global network of 8 brands | 530 properties 75,000+ rooms | Operating in 56 countries

M I NO RH OT ELS.C O M Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel

hotelmanagement.com.au

13

Immersive EDUCATION Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School shares the secrets of training the next generation of hotel industry leaders.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

PARTNERSHIP

BMIHMS students honing their skills behind the bar

B

lue Mountains International Hotel Management School’s (BMIHMS) mission is to produce graduates who will become the world’s best hoteliers, and after 33 years of operation, its alumni are a shining example of its success.

BMIHMS opened in February 1991 with an intake of 40 students. It is now the longest-running residential hotel school in Australia. The school set out to offer worldclass training in hotel management using the Swiss education model, so students from Australia and Asia would not have to travel to Switzerland to be trained, and was quick to adopt a uniquely Australian approach, naming it the BMIHMS three-pillars approach.

This framework continues to guide the school’s operations, activities and industry engagement today, producing graduates whose careers have excelled in Australia and internationally.

BMIHMS offers a unique experience that allows students to directly apply the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom to an environment that reflects their future workplace. Operating as a simulated hotel, the residential campus located in Leura, Blue Mountains, delivers a 24/7 immersive learning experience to undergraduate students. Postgraduate students also complete on-campus applied training subjects at purpose-built facilities located at the Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Torrens University campuses.

“When you start working in a hotel, you already know a lot of the foundational skills.”

Bailey Wootton, BMIHMS graduate

Students are drawn to the practical nature of the training they receive at Blue Mountains.

“One of the biggest selling points for me of BMIHMS, over other universities, is the hands-on nature of the course,” says Bachelor of Business (International Hotel & Resort Management) graduate, Bailey Wootton.

“When you start working in a hotel, you already know a lot of the foundational skills.

That is the key way that BMIHMS prepares us for the real world.”

Students have already mastered the basics of service and hotel operations when they begin their industry placements. This has become highly valued by the school’s industry partner hotels as they know the students will need little training once employed.

The Graduate Privileged Partners Program (GPP) was established in 2006 for the purposes of offering the school’s highest achievers exclusive access to top-tier international hotel brands.

Since then, the program has evolved to include 10 international hotel brands

and offers networking opportunities throughout the year for all students, as well as contributing to the school’s industry advisory board, course advisory committees, career expos and open days.

“Our relationships with not only partner hotels, but the industry in general, is extremely valuable for the school,” says Associate Professor Simon Pawson.

“Essentially what we do day in, and day out, is prepare students for leadership careers in hotels, and we can’t do that successfully unless we have continued guidance and input from industry.

“These relationships are something we take seriously and work very hard to maintain.”

This year the school has been developing a strategy for the next five years that builds upon its foundations but looks to the future.

The uniquely Australian flavour of BMIHMS and Australian-trained hoteliers have become highly sought after both here and internationally. hotelmanagement.com.au

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PARTNERSHIP

The Surry Hills campus mimics a hotel environment to prepare students for a career in hotels

Australian hospitality, as differentiated from the more formal Swiss approach, has been characterised by an informal and laidback approach, maintaining professionalism while exuding a friendly, warm and relaxed atmosphere.

“The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is one of the largest employers in the area, and we value working with The Blue Mountains Hotel Management School and their engaged, passionate happy students,” says Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains by MGallery General Manager, Charlie Young.

“The quality, detail, focus and thoroughness of their education equips students with the skills and education that stand out, making it easy for us to provide work opportunities for them.

“These students add value, positivity, and optimism instantly. We love providing them with opportunities.”

The BMIHMS Alumni Association also remains a key factor in the success of the school. Formed in 1993, the association now has more than 8000 members. The association and network represent a phenomenal resource in supporting new graduates in their careers. On average, 90% of graduates find employment within three months of graduation; 70% attain management and leadership positions within five years; and 12% attain the role of general manager or higher.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

Alumni chapters operate in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with regular gatherings. An alumni board meets regularly and examines projects to give back to the school through events, student mentor opportunities and alumni awards. The school currently has 12 alumni who have chosen to return and undertake teaching and research roles, adding value to the student experience through their industry knowledge and understanding of the BMIHMS teaching model.

BMIHMS has become globally recognised for its expertise in Australian hotel management education.

“Our focus will very much continue on the next generation of hotel leaders, and ensuring they have the required skills and knowledge to lead our industry into the future,” added Pawson.

“We have an incredible team of academics and trainers that ensure our students reach their full potential.” n

Australian-trained hoteliers are in high demand internationally

NEED TO KNOW

Boutique hotel for Hamilton Island Hamilton Island Enterprises will launch a AU$30 million family-friendly hotel.

The Sundays will be inspired by its tropical surrounds

QUEENSLAND’S HAMILTON ISLAND is set to welcome a AU$30 luxury boutique hotel

by Hamilton Island Enterprises – the team behind luxury resort Qualia – in autumn 2025.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Sundays is a family-friendly property positioned at the northern end of palm-fringed Catseye Beach.

The 59-room hotel aims to reflect its tropical surroundings and blue water views with a serene colour scheme in guest rooms and a choice of either a balcony or terrace, overlooking the Coral Sea and the hotel gardens.

Interconnecting rooms and private poolside cabanas will be available for guests, and a waters-edge restaurant and bar will offer al fresco dining with views of Catseye Bay. “The Sundays marks over 20 years of continuous significant investment in Hamilton Island by the Oatley family,” said Hamilton Island CEO, Pete Brulisauer.

“In developing its ethos, we were inspired by the essence of what makes a Sunday so special – relaxing, treasuring time and fostering connections with loved ones, and embracing nature.

Guest rooms will follow a serene colour scheme “It will be a place where you can expect an extraordinary experience for all ages amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of The Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Accessible via direct flights in under 2.5 hours from major east coast cities, Hamilton Island has seen a sharp increase in domestic

travellers in recent years, with over 500,000 visitors passing through its airport in 2023.

“We also continue to welcome back international travellers who want to experience the best Australia has to offer – like Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef,” Brulisauer added.

Established in 1982, Hamilton Island is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest integrated island resort and has undergone over AU$400 million in facilities and infrastructure improvements since it was acquired by the Oatley family in 2003.

Hamilton Island Enterprises Chairman, Sandy Oatley, says The Sundays meets demand for family-friendly stays in the area.

“We are responding to our guests’ request for more family focused boutique accommodation, in our ideal location,” Oatley said.

“We remain focused on continuing to enhance Hamilton Island’s reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations.”

The Sundays is expected to create over 100 full-time equivalent jobs for hospitality workers in the Whitsundays region. hotelmanagement.com.au

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NEED TO KNOW

Green light for Coogee Bay Hotel Sydney’s Coogee Bay Hotel will undergo a major redevelopment which will provide a total of 31 guest rooms.

Budget update for accommodation Michael Johnson, CEO, Accommodation Australia THE FEDERAL BUDGET is a balancing act at the best of times.

When you throw in a cost-of-living crisis and a chronic housing shortage as well, something has got to give.

For our industry, this budget was somewhat underwhelming.

Our biggest concern was the decrease in the permanent migration planning levels from 190,000 per year down to 185,000.

We rely on migration to top up essential skills, especially in our regions.

It’s more worrying when you consider we have about 12,000 vacancies for cooks and chefs at present, yet these positions have not been included on the primary list in the first draft of the Core Skills List.

On a positive note, the AU$325 energy rebates for small businesses will help a few smaller motels, as will the extension of the AU$20,000 instant asset write-off by 12 months.

The Apprentice employer Incentives will replace some of the funding which was due to be reduced from 30 June and AU$4.4 million this year to promote VET for students, parents and teachers is also a small win.

There will be no increase in visa fees, but a pre-application ballot charge of AU$25 has been introduced for WHM from China, Indian and Vietnam to manage the cap.

Tourism Australia funding has been maintained at current levels. We would obviously like to have seen it increase, but in tough times, we’ll take the status quo as a win.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

Plans for the hotel’s redevelopment have been under discussion for over four years

A MAJOR TRANSFORMATION of Sydney’s Coogee Bay Hotel has been given the green light by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel following more than four years of design, planning, discussions.

In May, the panel granted a Deferred Commencement Consent, which will allow works to begin once there has been resolution of a noise management plan with Randwick City Council.

The Panel approved the redevelopment following major changes to the original development application lodged in July 2021, which included an improvement of bulk and scale, a reduction in height, removal of a proposed supermarket, improvement of urban form and amenity, and reduced view loss.

The result follows extensive discussions with stakeholders, community consultation and mediation between the owners of the Coogee Bay Hotel and Randwick City Council, which began in 2019.

“We are happy to be finally moving forward and excited to deliver a renewed Coogee Bay Hotel that will reinvigorate the Precinct,” said Coogee Bay Hotel Managing Director, Chris Cheung.

“This significant 8500 square metre site is in the heart of Coogee, provides a gateway to

the ocean front, and offers excellent access to services and public transport.

“As members of the community for the past 30 years, we understand the local environment and believe our plans will better integrate the hotel within the community and reinvigorate the entire site.”

The redevelopment, designed by Fender Katsalidis, aims to enhance the heritage elements of the hotel building, upgrade its accommodation offering, create a wider range of entertainment, dining options and public meeting spaces, and provide a more family friendly environment, according to Cheung.

“Re-casting the Coogee Bay Hotel as a more family friendly place will improve social outcomes, add value to local business, boost the local economy and complement the character of the local area,” said Cheung.

The approval includes the demolition of buildings and works to the Coogee Bay Hotel including a refurbishment to provide 18 hotel rooms, a new three storey building to the southern side of the property with 13 new hotel rooms (resulting in a total of 31 hotel rooms), construction of five/six storey housing comprising 58 dwellings, 11 retail premises, internal laneway from Coogee Bay Road, basement parking for 158 cars, subdivision, landscaping and associated works.

PARTNERSHIP Trilogy Hotels has added experienced leaders to its growing team

‘WIN-WIN-WIN’ Trilogy Hotels Chief Executive Officer Scott Boyes discusses diversification in the hotel landscape and the company’s future ambitions.

W

ith diversification in the market and increased competition, what impact is this having on the hotel industry?

There has been a significant diversification in hotel products over the past five to 10 years, including lifestyle, co-living, branded residences, and mixed-use, all of which are looking to satisfy a unique demand from an increasingly sophisticated guest base. In parallel, we have seen hotel companies expand and diversify their brand portfolios through acquisitions or internal initiatives, expending billions of dollars developing and marketing these brands and promoting cutting-edge distribution and loyalty programs.

Similarly, operating models have diversified from the traditional hotel management contract. Owners have the option for their hotels to be run without a brand by a white-label operator. Owners can also now secure a world-class brand and distribution network under a franchise agreement and have a local independent manager overseeing hotel operations, focusing on asset profitability and guest experience. In all these cases, there is a proliferation of options available to guests and owners to best meet their unique needs, avoiding the traditional onesize-fits-all approach.

In what ways can branded operators and white-label management companies work together and play to their strengths to drive better outcomes for owners and guests?

A powerful relationship between a hotel brand and a white-label operator can exist under a franchise agreement. In our experience, this partnership is a “win-win-win” situation. Brands leverage their phenomenal customer bases, loyalty programs, and distribution networks to help fill guest rooms and restaurants. As an independent hotel operator, we focus on optimising operations, cost control, channel management for regional markets and owner returns. For the guest,

brands provide consistency across different properties, while whitelabel operators customise experiences based on local nuances. This holistic partnership benefits owners financially and increases the quality of experiences for guests.

You’ve recently added a number of key hires to the Trilogy team. Can you tell us a bit about Trilogy’s people strategy?

We understand that our success is, first and foremost, a direct result of our executive leadership team who work daily with our hotel general managers and department heads. We are immensely proud of this team, who have joined Trilogy from senior roles. Our shared purpose is to ensure the hotel industry and its people thrive. We have a passion for the industry and a determination to pioneer innovation in our respective fields.

We seek to drive this shared culture through each of our managed hotels. On behalf of our owners, we actively seek out the best talent. We are focused on employee engagement and development, ensuring that colleagues work in a culture that allows for growth and flexibility. Through the provision of mentorship, training, and open communication, we aim to cultivate a supportive work environment in all our hotels.

What is your focus for Trilogy’s growth over the next 12 months?

Over the next 12 months, Trilogy will continue demonstrating its operational excellence to owners and the market, driving guest satisfaction and financial success. As our portfolio of investmentgrade assets grows, we will embrace market challenges, emerging technologies, and evolving guest preferences. As a local company, we remain agile and flexible in driving outcomes for owners. Most importantly, we remain steadfast in our commitment to create positive change in the lives of our current and future hotel owners, teams, and guests. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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NEED TO KNOW

A by Adina expands to Europe TFE Hotels is bringing the premium Australian brand to new markets.

Local authorities out of step on tourism James Doolan, Strategic Director, Hotel Council Aotearoa NEW ZEALAND’S NATIONAL-LED government has bold ambitions to double exports within 10 years. Unfortunately, 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities don’t appear to be getting the message.

The structure of local government is outrageously complex. For now, let’s just note the massive variation in tourism understanding and competency at local government level in New Zealand. This hampers our ability to deliver on a coherent national strategy for growth.

Instead of dialling up investment in tourism growth initiatives such as destination marketing or investment attraction, many of New Zealand’s local authorities are doing the exact opposite.

It’s currently budget-setting season for local authorities. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is proposing to completely defund its tourism marketing body. Christchurch is reducing event attraction spending even while it completes construction of an expensive new stadium. The three councils behind Destination Wairarapa are proposing to make tourism attraction-related funding contestable on an annual basis, which is a ridiculous idea for any marketing in the tourism sector.

70% of international arrivals to New Zealand first touchdown in Auckland, but Auckland is spending just NZ$5 million annually on attracting major events to the city.

If keeping pace with the level of per capita investment being made in major Australian cities, that number should be ten times larger.

Up and down New Zealand, local councillors are closing their eyes and ears to the settled economic consensus. A thriving visitor economy is good for permanent residents – creating amenity, jobs, infrastructure and prosperity. A major re-think is desperately needed.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

A by Adina Vienna Danube will feature an infinity pool, overlooking iconic landmarks TFE HOTELS IS set to debut its premium A by Adina brand in Europe with the opening of A

by Adina Vienna Danube in Austria in 2025.

The flagship A by Adina Vienna Danube Hotel will be located inside Austria’s tallest residential tower, the award-winning riverfront precinct, Danubeflats.

The Australian brand’s expansion into Europe comes three years on from its launch and coincides with development approval of a Sydney property – the 204-key A by Adina Sydney Central – as part of Australia’s biggest innovation district, Tech Central.

A by Adina will offer 108 premium apartments – a mix of studio (23sqm) and twobedroom offerings (64sqm) – as well as a bar, cocktail lounge and restaurant complete with a terrace overlooking the Danube River.

The hotel – which was originally intended to operate as an Adina hotel – will also

feature a fourth-floor wellness area including a gym, pilates/yoga room, two saunas, quiet room, wellness bar, as well as a panoramic heated infinity pool overlooking St. Franziskus Church and the Reichsbrücke.

“From our initial launch in Australia in 2021, we have always envisioned and planned to introduce this premium hotel living brand into new markets, so a move into Europe was the natural next step for us,” said TFE Hotels CEO, Antony Ritch.

“Whilst our A by Adina Sydney guests are wowed by the Sky Lobby and the spectacular views from Dean and Nancy on 22 over Sydney’s CBD, guests to A by Adina Vienna Danube will naturally gravitate to the spectacular infinity pool, overlooking the Danube River across to St. Franziskus Church in Vienna’s old town.”

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Wonil Hotel Perth was among the first Handwritten Collection hotels to open globally

NO RISK, NO REWARD Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy division, recently visited Australia to speak at AHICE 2024. Here we ask him about Accor’s market outlook and opportunities for the Pacific.

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ell us about your role with Accor.

At Accor, I have the privilege of leading our global development teams, drawing on my years of both hospitality and private equity experience which have given me a unique perspective from the ownership side. In 2023, Accor realigned our divisional structure into two divisions with one heart, united by one cohesive vision. This new structure has optimised our growth and performance, enabling us to deliver exceptional results globally.

Accor is a world leading hospitality group, offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,600 properties, 10,000 food and beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces.

Our portfolio is anchored by our 46 brands, including 23 Premium, Midscale & Economy (PM&E) brands, which comprise nearly 90% of our global properties and account for around 80% of our development signings.

2023 was a record year for signings, and we’re looking forward to carrying this momentum into 2024 with positive projections for continued growth.

How is Accor positioned in the Pacific region, and what recent developments have been made here?

With 400 hotels and 60,000 rooms, Accor is deeply embedded in the Pacific region. We’ve supported the market heavily over the last 33 years, adopting a localised approach that keeps our teams close to owners and guests. We’re expanding through partnerships with long-term 22

HM The Business of Accommodation

Camil Yazbeck, Accor visionaries, such as Melbourne Airport, where we’ll open the Novotel and ibis Styles in July 2024 – the first new-build internationally branded hotels to open there in more than 20 years.

In the current climate, hotel conversions are at an all-time high, and Accor is leading the industry. Star conversion brands like Mövenpick, Handwritten Collection, Mercure, and ibis Styles continue to thrive.

Handwritten Collection, which launched in 2023, has seen rapid growth globally with around 40 hotels due to be open by the end of the year. We opened some of the first Handwritten Collection hotels in the Pacific region, including Wonil Hotel in Perth and Hotel Morris in Sydney.

We recently announced Hotel Woolstore 1888 in Sydney, and we are announcing more Handwritten Collection hotels in Australia later this year.

We are excited to be bringing a new 139 room Pullman to Launceston, which will open in 2027. Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest cities and a strong regional hub. Established in 1867, Pullman is the world’s oldest hospitality brand and has a rich legacy of pioneering innovations.

Pullman is Accor’s flagship premium brand, with a progressive spirit attracting business and leisure guests alike. Pullman is the largest

PARTNERSHIP

Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel opened in 2023 premium brand in the Pacific with 16+ hotels, including flagship properties like Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport and Pullman Sydney Penrith both opening in 2023.

What is your market outlook and which segments have the most potential?

Europe is the historical home of Accor and continues to offer exciting opportunities for the hospitality sector. Asia is booming with a recordbreaking signings year in 2023. Key growth markets include Japan and India, while our core markets encompass Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. Our recent portfolio deal in Japan brings 23 Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels with over 6,000 rooms to the region, making Accor the second largest global hotel companies in the country.

With a population of 1.4 billion and a growing middle class, China remains crucial for Accor. We’re a key leader among global players, boasting almost 700 hotels in our network and nearly 400 more in the pipeline. Master Franchise agreements like the one with Sunmei Digital Intelligence Group, covering 400 Mövenpick hotels, provide rapid expansion and increased brand awareness.

In Latin America, where Accor is the market leader, we’re experiencing record tourism levels and strong growth potential in markets including Brazil and Mexico. In North America, we see significant potential in gateway cities for brands like Swissôtel, Pullman, Novotel, Tribe and Handwritten Collection, offering new experiences in key destinations.

What makes hotels a valuable asset?

Hotels remain an attractive asset class supported by strong tailwinds.

Our projects often include a mixture of elements that help optimise

revenue and diversify risk; such as one or two hotels brands, an extended stay offering, branded residential, lively food and beverage, coworking and wellness facilities. The Pacific region is a shining example of our leadership in this area, with exceptional food and beverage concepts and a pioneering spirit in extended-stay accommodations through regional brands like Mantra and The Sebel.

What are Accor’s key milestones and sustainability strategies for 2024?

2024 is particularly special as we celebrate key milestones across several iconic brands. Sofitel is marking its 60th anniversary as the first international luxury hotel brand from France, ibis celebrates 50 years as one of the world’s most recognised economy brands, and Mercure is opening its 1000th hotel later this year, highlighting its global presence as a locally inspired brand.

Sustainability remains central to our future strategy. Our focus on ESG helps future-proof investments and provides investors with a toolbox of solutions, from quick wins to long-term strategies. We emphasise the ‘S’ – the social component – by prioritising people and respecting local communities, heritage and culture.

Accor’s approach combines the power and scale of an international company with local market knowledge, ensuring responsible and purpose-driven growth.

I believe we are at an exciting time in the hospitality industry, but not without challenges. The most successful in our industry are embracing new ideas and adapting rapidly. To operate with success, I have the conviction that mindset is key and impacts every facet of the journey.

Investing for the long haul is essential and the greatest risk of all is not taking one. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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NEED TO KNOW Guests will have access to an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage and fitness centre

Dual-branded Melbourne Airport to open in July Accor’s Novotel and Ibis Styles brands will feature in a new AU$230 million airport hotel.

MELBOURNE AIRPORT IS set to welcome its first new-build internationally branded hotel in over 20 years with the official opening of the dual-branded Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport on July 1.

The AU$230 million project, located within walking distance of Terminal 4, is Victoria’s largest and most significant hotel development this year.

“Not only will the new-build hotels provide more choice for travellers seeking a place to stay, they will also offer a welcoming hub for the workers in the airport precinct,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PME, Adrian Williams.

“Having just been voted the best airport in Australia and the Pacific, it’s only fitting that Melbourne Airport will now be able to meet the increasing demand for more hotel rooms and have greater choice.”

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, with interiors by Woods Bagot, the dual-branded 24

HM The Business of Accommodation

Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport features a playful urban aesthetic development features 464 guest rooms – 248 Novotel and 216 in Ibis Styles – located within The Hive precinct.

Three new food and beverage venues include the Small Holdings Cafe, for coffee and pastries; Italian restaurant and wine bar, Boccata; and modern gastropub, Amber State Taphouse and Kitchen.

Taking inspiration from regional Victoria, Novotel Melbourne Airport follows a natural

palette and delivers an open and spacious environment for guests, while Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport embraces Melbourne’s urban feel with a playful aesthetic.

Guests at both properties, as well as transient travellers, can also avail of Melbourne’s first airport health and wellbeing club, Higher State, which features an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage and fitness centre.

There are also three conference and events spaces and a modern co-working space as part of The Hive precinct.

“Given that passenger numbers will only continue to increase over the coming years, these properties are a much-needed addition to Melbourne’s tourism industry and are set to bring huge economic and social benefits not only to Melbourne, but also to the state of Victoria,” said Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport General Manager, David Alexander.

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NEED TO KNOW Leura Gardens Resort becomes the 15th property in the Schwartz Family Company hotel network

Schwartz acquires Leura Gardens Resort Jerry Schwartz expands Blue Mountains portfolio with AU$25 million hotel purchase.

The hotel will operate in conjunction with Fairmont Resort and Leura Golf Course

SCHWARTZ FAMILY COMPANY has acquired Leura Gardens Resort in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains region for AU$25 million from the Elanor Hotel Accommodation Fund.

As the 15th hotel in the Schwartz network, Leura Gardens Resort joins the company’s award-winning Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains and Leura Golf Club, all within a few minutes’ drive of each other, and strengthens its position as a premier leisure and conference provider in the region.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

“The Blue Mountains is Sydney’s holiday playground and one of the most popular destinations for weddings, retreats, leisure groups, conferences and events, and by bringing these three venues together, we can offer a complete tourism solution,” said Schwartz Family Company Director, Dr Jerry Schwartz.

“Leura Gardens Resort’s 3.5-star accommodation will complement the 4.5star accommodation at the Fairmont, while

we can also offer multiple different venues for functions along with the renowned outdoor activities that the Blue Mountains is famous for.”

The recently refurbished resort includes a 92-room hotel set on 4.5 acres of landscaped gardens. The accommodation offering includes a choice of studio, family, and self-contained apartments, while recreational facilities include a solar-heated outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, guest lounge, and on-site restaurant, with Leura Golf Course across the road.

With multiple conference and events spaces, the Olive Tree Restaurant, and its expansive grounds, the venue is popular for weddings, functions and corporate retreats.

Under Schwartz’s ownership, the hotel will operate in conjunction with Fairmont Resort and Leura Golf Course to offer one of the most comprehensive conference and event venues in regional New South Wales.

The acquisition coincides with the announcement that the NSW Blues rugby league team will establish a training base in the Blue Mountains, using the facilities at both the Fairmont and Leura Gardens.

PARTNERSHIP

VANITY GROUP Chairman, Paul Tsalikis (right), with La Bottega Chairman, Tommaso Pacini

POWERHOUSE PARTNERSHIP VANITY GROUP and La Bottega have formed a strategic partnership to pioneer a new era in hotel guest essentials and experiences.

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aul, tell us a bit about VANITY GROUP’S global growth story.

I founded VANITY GROUP in 2011 with the simple mission of wanting to pair luxury retail brand experiences with hospitality. At the time, this was uncharted territory. I was selling a dream of revolutionising the industry from being transactional, to purposeful, and bringing to life in-room guest experiences in a colourful, authentic way. Thankfully I had a wonderful network of hotel friends (who remain some of my dearest companions) who believed in me and believed in my vision for VANITY GROUP. What started as a single-brand “portfolio” and one hotel client, has since grown to over 45 of the world’s most in demand, progressive consumer brands and over 10,000 hotel partners. We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, London, Dubai, Shanghai and Frankfurt and are considered the most influential hotel essentials provider globally.

Over the years, we’ve prided ourselves on being at the forefront of sustainability. We’re part of the B Corp community, one of the most well-respected certifications a business can achieve. We’ve pioneered products made with Global Recycled Standard materials ensuring traceability and ethical supply chains from source to final product.

We’ve also achieved the industry’s most reputable accreditations for our formulations including PETA’s ‘Beauty Without Bunnies’ Program, and The Vegan Society vegan trademark which ranks highest in consumer confidence.

How did the La Bottega partnership come about?

Tommaso (CEO of La Bottega) and I have been industry friends since VANITY GROUP’s inception. We’d been watching and admiring each other’s growth and have known for a while now that we’d be stronger, together. However, like all good relationships, timing is everything and this year the timing was finally right.

We share the same creative spirit, dedication to innovation and the gusto to transform the in-room hotel experience and beyond. Our mutual passion for creating exceptional products made this partnership a natural fit, allowing us to leverage each other’s strengths and drive innovation and growth.

Why is La Bottega the ideal partner for the next phase of VANITY GROUP?

La Bottega’s extensive experience and dedication to bespoke amenities make them the perfect partner for the next phase of VANITY GROUP’s journey. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation mirrors our own. Together, we can push boundaries, and set new benchmarks in the industry. La Bottega’s established reputation and global reach provide us with the insights and opportunities to expand our market presence even further.

What does this partnership mean for VANITY GROUP’S hotel clients and their guests?

For our esteemed hotel community and their valued guests, the partnership with La Bottega signifies an exciting new era of hotel essentials. Together, we now have representation in over 120 Countries, boast a combined team of over 500 people, and share over 100 of the most in demand, progressive brands in our portfolio.

We combine our superpowers across innovation, environmental stewardship, supply chain and best in class practices to deliver exceptional service paired with never seen before creative activations.

Suffice to say we’re pioneering the next era of hotel essentials, and we can’t wait to take all our hotel partners along for the ride. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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NEED TO KNOW

Marriott’s Adelaide adventure Following a tour of the soon-to-be-complete Adelaide Marriott, APEC President of Marriott International, Rajeev Menon, and Area Vice President ANZP, Sean Hunt, spoke to HM about opportunities in South Australia.

An artist’s impression of the reception area at Adelaide Marriott

WALKING THROUGH THE site of the first Marriott hotel in Adelaide was one of those ‘full circle’ moments for Rajeev Menon, Marriott International’s President of Asia Pacific excluding Greater China (APEC), who, in the early days of his hospitality career, had worked in a buzzing hotel on the outskirts of the city.

“I have always had a special spot for Adelaide, to be honest, because I worked here some 28 years ago,” Menon told HM in an exclusive interview at the soon-to-becompleted Adelaide Marriott.

“I worked in Glenelg at the Stamford Grand as Director of F&B, when it was the most happening place in Adelaide.”

In those days, the city was slower, but Menon said its transformation in recent years and the influx of large events and conferences is “getting investors excited”.

“As cities grow, they go through this transformation, and that’s what Adelaide is experiencing as we speak,” he said.

Located at the site of the Adelaide General Post Office, which began trading over 150 years ago, Adelaide Marriott marks a major transformation of an iconic building, cherished by locals, into a contemporary luxury hotel that should be enjoyed for generations to come.

With a targeted opening of mid-August 2024, the Adelaide Marriott is the first in a pipeline of three Marriott hotels coming to the city, according to Menon – a Westin hotel, slated to open in late 2026 and a third lifestyle hotel – all marking brand debuts in South Australia.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

L-R: Marriott International APEC President, Rajeev Menon; Greaton Managing Director, Nicho Teng; South Australia Minister for Tourism, the Hon Zoe Bettison; Adelaide Marriott General Manager, Paul Gallop; Marriott International Area Vice President ANZP, Sean Hunt “We need to have a flag in each city – this is our first but not our last,” Marriott International Area Vice President – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, told HM. “There’s going to be strong corporate distribution that we currently can’t take care of in Adelaide and this hotel will benefit from that.

“We have a Westin, which will commence construction following this opening in August 2024, and we have a third hotel – a mid-tier lifestyle brand – and another couple of hundred rooms will follow shortly thereafter.

“We have other discussions underway in Adelaide and we are also looking at regional South Australia – there’s a real opportunity there for some of our luxury lifestyle brands around vineyards.

Adelaide Marriott represents a partnership with an existing Marriott owner, Greaton under Managing Director, Nicho Teng. Hunt

says relationships with existing owners are invaluable and help get deals across the line efficiently. “[Marriott has] nearly 9,000 hotels and 1.35 million rooms – 47% of those hotels are with existing owners. And whilst we’re very open to doing business with new owners, it’s much easier when there’s an existing relationship – HMAs are very quickly negotiated.”

The Adelaide Marriott will have “660 square metres of meeting space, a huge ballroom and several smaller ballrooms”, according to Hunt, allowing the hotel to tap into the city’s burgeoning MICE market.

“Group businesses really drives the economy of the local catchment and the city,” Hunt said. “We see somewhere between 100,000150,000 room nights in Sydney and Melbourne; Adelaide won’t get anywhere near that, but a waterfall starts with a trickle.”

PARTNERSHIP

GROHE’s new Airio ceramic basins present a minimalistic design and innovative features

IT’S IN THE DETAILS In the world of hospitality, every detail matters.

And the bathroom, often seen as a sanctuary for guests, plays a crucial role in the guest experience.

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ROHE, a leading manufacturer of luxury bathroom fittings, has introduced a number of innovative products for hotels to elevate the in-room experience.

The new GROHE Airio ceramic vessel basins present a minimalistic design and innovative features. With an edge thickness of just 5mm, the slim profile not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a sense of spaciousness and modernity that resonates with discerning guests.

The GROHE Euroceramic range is equipped with advanced features like PureGuard, Triple Vortex, rimless technology, soft close and quick release seats – an excellent choice for hotel bathrooms that require high standards of hygiene, functionality, and comfort.

GROHE’s rimless technology revolutionizes toilet design by eliminating the rim where bacteria often hide. This feature makes every surface of the toilet easy to reach and clean, even in hard-to-see areas.

For hotels, this means higher standards of hygiene and easier cleaning routines, contributing to a healthier and more pleasant environment for guests.

The soft close mechanism ensures that both the seat and lid close gently and quietly, enhancing comfort and preventing the slamming noise that can disturb guests, while the quick release seats feature a special hinge that allows for easy removal of the toilet seat for thorough cleaning.

The GROHE Triple Vortex flush system offers a powerful yet silent toilet cleaning solution. Unlike traditional systems, it creates a swirling vortex of water from three outlets, thoroughly covering and cleaning the entire bowl without splashing. With its dual flush option, it is also water-efficient, using only 4.5 litres for a full flush and 3 litres for a short flush.

The soft close mechanism on GROHE toilets ensure that both the seat and lid close gently and quietly GROHE PureGuard hygiene surface technology, which is incorporated into the basins, prevents growth of bacteria and its smooth surface locks out dirt from limescale and grime to keep bathroom ceramics pristine and easy to clean. For hotels, this means consistently pristine bathrooms that require less maintenance, enhancing both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

GROHE’s Sensia Pro shower toilet revolutionises sanitary care with advanced technology and exceptional design, utilising the effective cleaning power of water. Rooted in German engineering excellence and inspired by Japan advanced sanitary customs, this system integrates cutting-edge technology features, such as self-cleansing nozzles, a heated seat, and a deodorizer to offer the highest standard of cleanliness and luxury, setting a new benchmark in hospitality amenities. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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OUR OFFICIAL PREVIEW OF THE AHICE FIJI ISLANDS INVESTMENT IN TOURISM SUMMIT. Presented by

Hosted by

Principal Partners

Co-Hosted by

AHICE FIJI 2024

AHICE takes centre stage in Fiji in July 2024 IT’S AN EXCITING TIME FOR TOURISM IN FIJI AND HM IS THRILLED TO BE HOSTING THE 2024 AHICE FIJI ISLANDS INVESTMENT IN TOURISM SUMMIT. AHICE GROUP PRESIDENT, JAMES WILKINSON, LOOKS AT WHAT TO EXPECT.

I

t’s a case of all eyes on Fiji as the nation continues to thrive in the South Pacific tourism market.

The average daily rates and occupancy rates at hotels across the country have been soaring since the end of 2021 as Australians, Kiwis and Americans head to Fiji in record numbers and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The incredible growth of Fiji Airways across the region has also been instrumental in the tourism industry soaring and the most exciting thing is there so much opportunity and potential for the nation to grow even further.

With some 40 projects in various phases of development – from proposed projects to others under construction – there is already a lot happening that can firmly reach the Fiji Government’s target of 5000 more rooms across the nation.

As Fiji Airways continues to grow and other carriers like Air New Zealand, Qantas and Virgin Australia have an ongoing push of tickets to the nation, Fiji could quite easily exceed that target.

The significant global interest in Fiji is one of the key reasons AHICE has arrived in the nation and why Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill and his team wanted our conference brand to host a major summit.

We are excited to be hosting the 2024 AHICE Fiji Islands Investment in Tourism Summit and the event has attracted significant interest both regionally and globally.

At the Summit, attendees can expect some evocative keynotes, world-class panels, data dumps, global speakers and supported by some of the world’s leading hotels, chains and suppliers.

We will also be hosting several of our renowned networking events across two evenings at four premier Fijian resorts and we can’t wait to showcase some of the incredible hospitality Fiji is known for.

The 2024 Summit is the start of some exciting things to come for our AHICE brand in Fiji and we are already looking at venues to host the conference over the coming five years.

Fiji is experiencing some major growth in tourism investment and we are thrilled to be helping fuel that through promoting the hotel and tourism sector on a global level and hosting world class events in the nation.

Yours in hospitality,

James Wilkinson Editor-In-Chief, HM magazine Group President, AHICE Global Conferences hotelmanagement.com.au

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AHICE FIJI 2024

Fiji’s tourism boom leads to investment focus HOLIDAYS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC ARE THRIVING AND TOURISM FIJI CEO, BRENT HILL, IS THRILLED AHICE HAS ARRIVED IN THE NATION.

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ourism in Fiji is booming! After the devastation of Covid, the recovery of the tourism industry in Fiji has been rapid and welcomed.

With tourism accounting for 38% of Fiji’s economy, it is such a vital sector to our country. Since reopening, Fiji’s tourism sector has seen record volumes of visitor arrivals, in particular from our key source markets of Australia, NZ, North America and China.

We have also seen incredible growth in yield (Average Daily Rate and RevPAR) and occupancy.

This has led to our Deputy Prime Minister declaring Fiji needs 5000 new hotel beds to cater for demand.

When factoring in the strong growth and profitability of the national carrier, Fiji Airways, and its desire to open more routes in 2024-25, the future for tourism is bright. Now is definitely the right time for investment in Fiji.

The existing product set of resorts and boutique island resorts enables Fiji to welcome close to 1 million tourists annually, but there is opportunity right across the spectrum – from large scale resorts, to boutique luxury and business and conference hotels.

Demand is due to strong and consistent marketing by Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways across the globe, coupled with increased airline capacity, and the accessibility of Fiji – just 3.5 hours from Sydney, and with brand new modern aircraft such as the four A350s of Fiji Airways’ fleet, connecting to 15 countries, delivering a consistent, premium product.

Fiji continues to be loved the world over for the world class accommodation, great food and drink options, beautiful weather and classic sun, sand and surf.

However, what really makes Fiji stand out is our people and our culture. Fijians are naturally hospitable and almost always on leaving, guests comment on the Fijian’s warmth and happiness. Which is why the slogan for tourism in Fiji is “where happiness comes naturally”.

The low cost of labour, incredible locations and access to nature, provide opportunities for investors. Sustainability remains at our core – our natural resources remain pristine, and we want to preserve this for generations to come.

Therefore, the invitation is to interested investors, to come and see Fiji for yourself, and then consider investing in our incredible country. AHICE Fiji provides an opportunity for investors, brands, landowners and the broader industry to meet and hear more of the incentives, easeof-doing-business initiatives and appeal of setting up in Fiji.

In a world where tourists are increasingly seeking authentic, meaningful travel, with easy access, Fiji continues to tick the box. Come and see for yourself, why it is the only place in the world “where happiness comes naturally”.

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AHICE FIJI 2024

AHICE Fiji’s Stellar speakers

MEET SOME OF THE KEY SPEAKERS AT AHICE FIJI.

ANDREW CAMERON

Founder and CEO, Enzyme Consulting Over the past two decades, Andrew Cameron has honed a holistic skill set dedicated to fostering sustainable impact within the Food & Beverage industry. A graduate in life science commercialisation, his journey encompasses a broad spectrum of the food system, including research, production, import and distribution, procurement, sales, science communication, change management, and event delivery in Singapore, Australia and the region.

NICKY STYRIS

Media presenter and reporter, MC of the day Media presenter and reporter, Nicky Styris, has been involved in sports journalism and television presenting for 20 years. Nicky has been a frequent sports host on TV3’s AM Show and the weekend sports news anchor at Newshub since 2018. She is also an integral member of the sports reporting team, bringing sports news stories to television. She is the mother of two daughters and the wife of former Blackcaps cricketer, Scott Styris.

ROBERT WILLIAMS

Head of Hotels & Hospitality Asia Pacific, Watson Farley & Williams Robert is a Partner, Head of Sydney office and leads the Hotels and Hospitality team in Asia Pacific. A specialist in the hotels and hospitality industry, he is recognised as a leading transactional lawyer advising clients across Asia Pacific on their strategies and transactions. The depth of Robert’s experience and his long-standing relationships with industry participants enable him to provide unique insights and create connections that help his clients to unlock opportunities and execute hotel deals.

PROUD PARTNERS OF

AHICE FIJI 2024

The AHICE Fiji 2024 program WEDNESDAY JULY 3 Held at Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa, and Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort 4:00pm-5:45pm: NETWORKING EVENT AND SITE TOURS of the new CROWNE PLAZA FIJI NADI BAY RESORT AND SPA presented by

6:00pm-8:00pm: NETWORKING EVENT at SHERATON FIJI RESORT AND SPA presented by Marriott International, Tappoo, De Beaurepaire wines presented by

THURSDAY JULY 4 Held at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa and Club Wyndham Denarau Island 8:50am-9:10am: OFFICIAL WELCOME by Emcee NICKY STYRIS, AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON, Tourism Fiji CEO BRENT HILL, including a traditional welcome ceremony. w 9:10am-9:25am: KEYNOTE: Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Honorable VILIAME GAVOKA. 9:25am-9:45am: OUTLOOK: WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIJI ISLANDS in 2024 and beyond by STR Regional Director MATTHEW BURKE. 9:45am-10:00am: HOTELIER Q&A: Accor executives ADRIAN WILLIAMS (Chief Operating Officer PME – Pacific) and MARCUS HANNA (Vice President Operations Pacific –Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery, Emblems), in conversation with AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON. 10:00am-10:25am: PANEL SESSION: THE ESSENTIAL AVIATION & TOURISM OUTLOOK FOR 2024.

Moderated by: JAMES WILKINSON, Group President - AHICE Panelists: • BRAD RUTHERFORD, CEO, South Sea Cruises •F ANTASHA LOCKINGTON, CEO, Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association

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HM The Business of Accommodation

OUR BUMPER PROGRAM FOR AHICE FIJI 2024.

• PAUL GORMAN, General Manager, Luxury Escapes • TIM SWAN, General Manager - Global Sales, Air New Zealand

• NAIBUKA SAINE, Chief Investment Officer, Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) • SANJAY PRATAP, Director of Assets – Fiji, CP Group

10:25am-10:50am: PANEL SESSION: THE ESSENTIAL HOTEL OPERATORS OUTLOOK FOR 2024.

Moderated by: RUWAN PEIRIS, Director, THSA Panelists: • CAREY OSBORNE, Cluster General Manager – Fiji, Hilton • CHARLES HOMSY, General Manager, Radisson Blu Fiji Resort • JEFF WAGONER, President & CEO, Outrigger Hospitality Group • LEE PEARCE, CEO, Raffe Group

12:30pm-12:45pm: KEYNOTE: THE ASIA PACIFIC REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK by NICK THOMPSON, Hotels and Hospitality Director, NZ, JLL

10:50am-11:00am: KEYNOTE: FIJI TOURISM INDUSTRY OUTLOOK by Tourism Fiji CEO BRENT HILL. 11:00am-11:30am: NETWORKING: MORNING TEA presented by

11:30am-11:40am: HOTELIER Q&A: Marriott International Vice President - Hotel Development, Australia, NZ, and Pacific, RICHARD CRAWFORD, in conversation with AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON. 11:40am-12:05pm: PANEL SESSION: THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN FIJI. Moderated by: BRENT HILL, CEO, Tourism Fiji Panelists: • KAMAL CHETTY, CEO – Investment Fiji • TUSHAR RANIGA, Regional Director – Development, Australasia, Hilton • Speakers to be announced 12:05pm-12:30pm: PANEL SESSION: HOTEL AND TOURISM INVESTORS OUTLOOK. presented by

Moderated by: ROBERT WILLIAMS, Head of Hotels & Hospitality Asia Pacific, Watson Farley & Williams Panelists: • BOB LOWRES, Owner, Radisson Blu Naisoso • J AY SINGH, Owner, Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

12:45pm-12:55pm: HOTELIER Q&A: IHG Hotels & Resorts Portfolio General Manager – FNPF Owned Hotels, LACHLAN WALKER, in conversation with AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON. 12:55pm-1:55pm: NETWORKING: LUNCH presented by

1:55pm-2:20pm: PANEL SESSION: FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTLOOK AND TRENDS FOR 2024 AND BEYOND. Moderated by: ALISON HULM, Director - Development, Australasia, Langham Hospitality Group Panelists: • ANDREW CAMERON, Founder and CEO, Enzyme Consulting • DANIEL ALTSHULER, Owner, Cockle Bay Yacht Club • WILLIAM DE BEAUREPAIRE, Director, De Beaurepaire Wines • Speaker to be announced 2:20pm-2:40pm: AVIATION Q&A: speaker to be revealed, in conversation with AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON. 2:40pm-3:05pm: PANEL SESSION: FUTURE HOTEL AND TOURISM PROJECTS UPDATE. Moderated by: KATHERINE CAMERON, Project Director, EDG Interior Architecture + Design (Singapore) Panelists: • LEIGH HOWARD, Chief Operations Officer, Tourism Fiji • SHAUN PARSONS, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa • SIMON WHITE, General Manager Hotel Operations New Zealand, EVT • VINCENT MACQUET, General Manager, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa

AHICE FIJI 2024

3:05pm-3:40pm: NETWORKING: AFTERNOON TEA presented by

4:10pm-4.35pm: KEYNOTE: ESSENTIAL SUSTAINABILITY – THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN 2024 AND BEYOND by ANDREW CAMERON, Founder and CEO, Enzyme Consulting (Singapore).

3.40pm-4:10pm: PANEL SESSION: HOTEL DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK: WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIJI ISLANDS. Moderated by: RODGER L. POWELL, Managing Director, THSA • CAMERON BURKE, Director, Development Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts • LACHLAN HOSWELL, Managing Director, Business Unit Australasia, Radisson Hotel Group • LINDSAY LEESER, Chief Development Officer Pacific & Head of Apartments and Leases, Accor • TRISTAN COOPER, Director, Hotel Development - Australia, NZ & The Pacific, Marriott International

7:15pm-onwards: NETWORKING: AFTER EVENT NETWORKING BAR at Club Wyndham Denarau Island, Trademark Collection by Wyndham presented by

4.35pm-4.50pm: HOTELIER Q&A: Outrigger Hospitality Group President & CEO, JEFF WAGONER, in conversation with AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON. 4.50pm-5:00pm: WRAP-UP by Emcee NICKY STYRIS, AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON and Tourism Fiji CEO BRENT HILL. 5:00pm-7:00pm: NETWORKING: GALA RECEPTION at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa presented by

Program is subject to change and for the latest program, visit ahiceconference.com/fiji

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AHICE 2024

Leaders from key operators discuss the demands of global customers

AHICE UNWRAPPED ALL THE ACTION FROM THE 15TH ANNUAL ASIA PACIFIC HOTEL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION. RODERICK EIME REPORTS.

F

ifteen years ago, 100 delegates assembled in Sydney’s Swissotel to listen to the prognostications of 30 revered members of the hospitality industry.

Fifteen years on, 1500 delegates from 40 countries were in attendance for the 15th edition of the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE), Design Inn Symposium and the Future Leaders Forum. While many of those original executives were in attendance, more than 200 were first-time attendees.

Such has been the skyrocketing status of the event that the speaker lineup now includes the Premier of host state South Australia, the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP – or ‘Mali’ as he 38

HM The Business of Accommodation

became known to delegates – and Minister for Tourism, the Hon Zoe Bettison MP; alongside global hotel heavyweights such as IHG Hotels and Resorts Chief Executive Officer – Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, Kenneth Macpherson; Accor Premium, Midscale and Economy Brands Global Chief Development Officer, Camil Yazbeck; and Radisson Hotel Group Global Head of Development, Elie Younes.

Unsurprisingly, the rising cost of construction was raised in several panel discussions. JLL’s Ross Beardsell Development Outlook panel lamented several of the hurdles facing developers looking to create new stock domestically, while the wider Asia Pacific market is opening new hotels on an

almost daily basis. With construction costs rising at 5%pa, the option to convert existing real estate to hotels from underperforming commercial was raised numerous times over the two days.

High profile investor, Dr Jerry Schwartz said, “Not only is construction harder, so are approvals. These can take years.”

Another topic that presented as a consistent thread, was the emerging option of Build To Rent (BTR), a discussion which kicked off Day 2 under the moderation of Baker McKenzie’s Sebastian Busa.

Hotel Capital Partner’s Lucia Grambalova, is clearly ahead of the curve on this topic, but cautioned “BTR can be difficult and still needs more governmental support.”

AHICE 2024

It was a full house in the Adelaide Oval for the two-day conference

Emma Fraser later quizzed her panel on the subject of apartments, co-living and branded residential. As another emerging development option, this arena is clearly poised to make bigger inroads in the accommodation sector.

Accor’s Lindsay Leeser was optimistic given the French giant’s recent opening of the mixed-use Mondrian on the Gold Coast. “Long stay is a continuing trend and with Mondrian and (soon) the Pullman Launceston is an opportunity which I believe we’ll see more of.”

The heritage-listed former TAFE building and a neighbouring 1950s building will become a mixed-use precinct including apartments and restaurants.

Co-host Message Hon Minister Zoe Bettison MP

Leading suppliers connected with industry professionals across two exhibition areas

White Label appeared as an emerging topic in 2023 and came back stronger this year, in conjunction with franchising, which coloured numerous discussions over the two days.

In fact, the entire AHICE program kicked off with an entertaining twist on the topic with a spirited mini debate under the proposition “Branded Operators are better at running hotels than White Label Operators.”

Sporting black caps, the Affirmative featured Tish Nyar (TFE), Craig Hooley (Minor) and Richard Crawford (Marriott). They were countered by the white-capped Chris Batterham (Le Vie), Andrew Bullock (1834) and Tony Ryan (Trilogy).

While Nyar took the responsible tack outlining the strengths of Branded Operators while in his inimitable style, Ryan pointed out the hotel pioneer himself, Conrad Hilton, recognised the benefit of separating marketing, distribution and the product itself. The winners by loud acclaim, the White Labels.

Robert Williams from Watson, Farley and Williams later headed a panel to dissect this gnarly subject: The Rise of White Label.

Serene Capital’s Glen Boultwood likened the demise of brands to that of the taxi industry. “Like the taxi industry, they set themselves up for disruption. I don’t think

OFF THE BACK of a huge events season, Adelaide was the perfect place to once again host the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibtion (AHICE), for the fourth year running.

Our city welcomed a record 1500 delegates at AHICE Adelaide from over 40 countries. Delegates saw first hand how our hotel industry is going from strength to strength, which includes a strong pipeline of hotel investment.

Over the last few years, Adelaide has celebrated major hotel openings including EOS

by Sky City, Crowne Plaza Adelaide, Sofitel Adelaide, and soon, the Adelaide Marriott in the historic GPO building in the heart of our CBD. This investment has seen the number of hotel rooms in Adelaide reach nearly 10,800 on any given night, compared to around 9,300 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

And, there’s been incredible visitor demand for these rooms. We’ve seen strong occupancy and record hotel revenue in greater metropolitan Adelaide, propelled by blockbuster major events including LIV Golf Adelaide, AFL Gather Round and of course, our bumper arts festival season. As work continues to further grow tourism and business opportunities in South Australia, such as re-establishing major international airline routes from pre-COVID times, we’re looking forward to seeing this demand continue to grow.

The Asia-Pacific is very important to South Australia from a business and trading perspective as well as tourism. Preparations are already in motion as we eagerly anticipate hosting this significant business event once more in 2025. AHICE is the place where deals are done.

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AHICE 2024 Delegates had the opportunity to get their headshots taken by Considered Image photographer, Asher Milgate

The Playford Adelaide - MGallery delivered a formidable spread for afternoon tea on Day 2 of the conference they have taken the time to broaden their support network for owners.”

Another consistent ‘hot button’ was the topic of Japan. The yen has been steadily falling, losing more than a third of its value since 2021, thus opening the tourism floodgates.

The country is front of mind for everyone from investors to travellers and the big brand talent scouts. Once dominated by independent properties, both major and mid-level players 40

HM The Business of Accommodation

are now quickly filling the vacuum with franchises and management agreements.

JLL’s Adam Bury quizzed his Asia Pacific Investment panel’s heavy hitters on the question of Japan. Paul Slater was quick to contribute, adding simply, “Japan is where all the capital wants to be.”

While Japan featured high on the favourite list of many, several other markets stood out.

Sanjog Modgil of TCC pointed out that he found Thailand, India and Singapore all

attractive propositions. Chris Batterham of La Vie added Vietnam and Maldives to the accompaniment of nodding heads, but when Mulpha’s Greg Shaw mentioned Fiji, it drew audible approval. Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill, was on hand to soak up the accolades and dazzle the room with details of Fiji’s incredible post-Covid rebound.

Controversially, the panel were also asked to add their “Do Not Touch” nominations for countries to avoid. PNG, Malaysia, Myanmar and China/HK were labelled “most challenging” for a variety of reasons that need no explanation.

In contrast to the ebullience and passion from Fiji, James Doolan from the Hotel Council of Aotearoa outlined the litany of obstacles being imposed on New Zealand’s hotel industry; pleading “New Zealand needs your help now!”

As a follow on from the Design Inn Symposium, sustainability was another topic that brought out much spirited and impassioned discussion.

While Enzyme’s Andrew Cameron’s panel of ESG specialists were quick to estoll the virtues of their own specific activities in this field, Kylie Roberts-Frost of the Bedding Stewardship Council, levelled the conversation by observing,

AHICE 2024

Vittoria Coffee baristas were on hand to keep delegates well caffeinated “we need to change the conversation from simply recycling to the whole value chain.

As consumers we can really drive change, move past greenwashing and properly implement circularity.”

When the Covid lockdowns ceased so suddenly, it instantly put pressure on all hotels’ human resources, a hangover that persists to this day. Enticing staff, particularly graduates, back to the hospitality industry has been cited across several panel discussions.

The Future Leaders Forum, which followed on from Design Inn, specifically addressed numerous issues in this field.

Associate Professor Simon Pawson from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School has been an invaluable contributor to numerous discussions during

Principal Partner Message Adrian Williams, Accor

the lifetime of AHICE. Pawson took charge of the Operators Panel where senior executives shared their predictions for 2024.

Nicole Downs of Ovolo urged all hoteliers to get out and promote the industry as a great career path.

Scott Boyes of Trilogy rattled the cage by declaring that “I believe wholeheartedly that Australia and New Zealand produce the world’s best hoteliers, but we’re far too humble and don’t share the story of how great our industry is.”

Again, Pawson was asked to confront this issue as moderator of the ‘Power of the People’ panel during the main event.

“Why are school leavers turning away from the hospitality industry as a career choice?” he asked.

WHAT A REMARKABLE week AHICE 2024 turned out to be. AHICE sets a pivotal moment for partners and operators to unite and delve into critical discussions about the future of our industry.

The conference was an invaluable platform for teams to share insights and collaborate. I am especially proud of Accor’s contribution to our sector’s growth, underscored by our announcement of three new hotel management agreements at the event: Pullman Launceston, Hotel Woolstore 1888 in Sydney – part of the Handwritten Collection, and Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill.

AHICE 2024 also covered the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the

The lively discussion covered numerous aspects with EVT’s Silvia Cohen citing the decline in mental health as a factor.

“With the year-on-year decline of mental health, hotels need to invest in the well-being of staff and upskill managers to implement and maintain relevant programs.”

IHG’s Joan Blindheim agreed, stating, “Leaders are responsible for staff wellbeing, and they are not always equipped to deal with such matters.”

Clearly, this open-ended topic will reverberate for some time as the industry realigns human resource culture.

Numerous panels touched on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into daily routines, particularly IP Protect’s Richard Munro, whose Asset Managers’ Outlook panel met the challenge head-on.

Here again, the wisdom of Lucia Grambalova shone through. “With data analysis, AI can streamline non-customer facing tasks and make the overall guest journey more efficient.”

And if we needed any further wake-up calls to this revolutionary technology, Stephen Borg from meldCX astonished the room with his keynote speech, ‘The World of AI”. His so-called ‘Omnichannel Experience’ with Viana software will gather actionable customer and business insight and is set to transform how hoteliers implement and monetise valuable space in their properties. n ahiceconference.com/asiapacific

industry. From the many inspiring career stories and insightful perspectives shared from Future Leaders and emerging talent during the event, the future of our industry looks very bright.

Other important takeaways were the emergence of branded residences and extended stay, new trends in F&B, sustainability, and the integration of technology into guest experiences.

On behalf of all of Accor’s AHICE 2024 attendees, including those who travelled from Accor’s global HQ in Paris to attend, I would like to thank HM Magazine for hosting this important event. Together, we’ve strengthened our industry bonds and set the stage for even greater achievements ahead.

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CONFERENCES

AHICE exclusives DUBBED ‘THE HOTEL EVENT WHERE DEALS GET DONE’, AHICE ASIA PACIFIC SAW A FLURRY OF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND KEY SIGNINGS FROM MAJOR HOTEL GROUPS. RUTH HOGAN REPORTS.

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CONFERENCES A Hilton Garden Inn prototype was positioned outside the Adelaide Oval throughout the conference

Hilton Garden Inn prototype unveiled at AHICE HILTON SHOWCASED A new room prototype for its upscale focused service brand, Hilton Garden Inn, to hotel developers and owners at the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE APAC) in Adelaide.

The Hilton Garden Inn prototype, which was located at the Adelaide Oval for the duration of the Design Inn Symposium and AHICE conferences, featured innovations in design and amenities that aim to deliver a reliable and friendly guest experience and strong investment returns.

The brand’s core elements have been honed based on deeply researched customer and competitive insights, while its region-specific programming also integrates Hilton Garden Inn’s global standards with local preferences that are specific to each market.

Principal Partner Message Rod Munro, BWH Hotels Australasia

“Based on our research, travellers in Australia expect an upscale brand to genuinely value its customers, portray optimism and provide a sense of comfort, which in turn allows them to de-stress and energize themselves,” said Hilton Vice President, Brand Management, Suites & Focused Service, Asia Pacific, Jenny Milos.

“Australian travellers also have a greater awareness, interest in sustainability, and prefer properties that demonstrate sustainable practices. These insights have deeply informed our prototype.”

Hilton Garden Inn currently has three properties operating in Australia, including Hilton Garden Inn Albany, Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, with another four in the pipeline in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

AHICE 2024 BROUGHT together some of the biggest hotel brands, showcasing the very essence of innovation and progress in the accommodation industry. It served as a springboard to forecast what lies ahead and how brands adapt to exceed customers’ expectations. Among the conference highlights was the introduction of BWH Hotels’ dynamic new development team, poised to invigorate and drive new growth for this global powerhouse.

Our new development team, a blend of seasoned professionals and fresh talent, brings expertise, creativity, and vision to our brands. Their focus on flexible hotel solutions, nurturing hotelier relationships, and fostering sustainable growth is set to propel our organisation into a new era of excellence.

BWH is experiencing an increased demand for soft brands in primary cities across Australasia. Hoteliers and developers are preparing hotel brands that cater to discerning guests who value individuality over standardised hospitality and can plug into a global powerhouse brand. In exploring brands like BW Premier Collection and BW Signature Collection, hoteliers embrace local culture and foster a sense of belonging, carving out a niche in the competitive hospitality landscape.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding boundless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success.

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The new Kimpton in Brisbane’s Teneriffe will feature an infinity pool overlooking the Brisbane River

Principal Partner Message Paul Hutton, Hilton

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AHICE IS AN important annual marker that leaves the team at Hilton motivated and inspired to continue to work and contribute to the hospitality industry. The conference provides a key opportunity to connect with industry peers and learn more across the business, from development trends to how we can better engage our teams.

Across the two-day event various members of the Hilton team joined panels, from rising stars, new to the industry, to seasoned professionals with decades of experience in market. Particularly important to me was sharing with industry the key to the success of Hilton’s continued Awarding-Winning culture in conversation with the editor of HM Magazine.

This year Hilton also took the opportunity to showcase the Hilton Garden Inn modular, regionalised prototype, the first of its kind to be displayed in Adelaide. By setting up a to-scale, mock-up room, the team at Hilton offered a detailed glimpse into how design directly supports operating efficiency.

With the protype positioned outside of the conference, and visited by potential owners, and suppliers, AHICE presented the perfect platform to also announce a signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville.

This year the Hilton team walked away from AHICE knowing that new partnerships had been forged and the future of hospitality looks brighter than ever before.

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IHG signs new-build Kimpton

Principal Partner Message David Elia, Hostplus

IHG IS SET to open its first managed luxury hotel in Brisbane, following the signing of a Kimpton Hotel with Kokoda Property.

Announced at the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE), the new luxury Kimpton in Brisbane’s Teneriffe will form part of Kokoda Property’s AU$1.5 billion mixed-use lifestyle precinct which includes extensive ground floor hospitality and retail venues, commercial offices and multiple residential towers.

Speaking at AHICE, in conversation with HM’s James Wilkinson, IHG Chief Executive Officer – Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, Kenneth Macpherson, expressed his excitement about introducing the Kimpton brand to Brisbane.

“The asset looks sensational – with that

the Brisbane River and an open-air Garden Terrace bar.

“Kimpton has an ardent global following amongst the lifestyle-led and socially inclined, which will resonate strongly as part of the Skyring Terrace precinct and within Brisbane’s luxury hotel market,” said IHG Hotels and Resorts Director of Development, Australasia and Pacific, Cameron Burke.

“The strength of IHG’s brand portfolio, particularly within the luxury and lifestyle segments, is accelerating the growth of our Australian estate – and this signing is a significant testament to that.”

Kokoda Property Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said Kimpton was the ideal choice for the centrepiece of its

infinity pool, the suites and panoramic views over the city,” Macpherson said.

“The Kimpton brand is playing strongly for us in that luxury lifestyle space, expanding across the world. We’re delighted to bring this second Kimpton hotel into Australia.”

The 155-room hotel will feature unique, design-led rooms and suites, including marquee suites that will cater to celebrity guests and VIPs, a 200-plus-seat signature restaurant and bar on Level 14, a spa with multiple treatment rooms, fitness centre and 618sqm of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.

Guests will enjoy waterfront access and views, as well as an infinity pool overlooking

Teneriffe development.

“The brand’s lifestyle centric positioning, design and playful guest experiences will fit perfectly into this exciting and unique pocket of Brisbane,” Stevens said.

“We’re excited to play a part in the regeneration of historic Teneriffe – from its industrial origins into one of the trendiest neighbourhoods of Brisbane.

The signing adds to IHG’s fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio, which includes 14 open hotels and a further five in the pipeline in Australia under brands including InterContinental, Six Senses, Hotel Indigo, and now Kimpton.

SINCE 2016, HOSTPLUS has proudly partnered with AHICE to deliver the premier hotel and accommodation industry event in the Asia Pacific. The 2024 event at Adelaide Oval was no exception, bringing together industry leaders to forge connections, share ideas, and gain insights into the sector’s future.

Hostplus supports the hotel and accommodation industry by delivering for our employers and their staff every day.

Representing over 1.7 million members, and with more than $110 billion in funds under management, Hostplus’ size and scale help us deliver greater value and financial outcomes for our members.

Driven by an active investment strategy, the MySuper Balanced option has a track record of delivering strong investment returns over the long term.

Thank you to our loyal members and employers for choosing Hostplus.

General advice only. Read the relevant PDS and TMD at hostplus.com.au before deciding if Hostplus is right for you. SuperRatings Accumulation Fund Crediting Rate Survey Balanced (60-76) Index, April 2024. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund ABN 68 657 495 890, MySuper No 68 657 495 890 198.

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CONFERENCES Woolstore 1888 features an award-winning restaurant and wine bar, and private dining room

Accor to manage Woolstore 1888 HERITAGE SYDNEY HOTEL, Woolstore 1888, is set to operate under Accor’s Handwritten Collection from May 2024 under a management agreement with new owners Shakespeare Property Group.

The deal was announced during the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE APAC).

Built in 1888, the Darling Harbour property is the fourth oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney, transformed in recent years to a contemporary hotel with industrial-chic interiors.

The four-level sandstone and brick building features 90 guest rooms,

Principal Partner Message Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts

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an award-winning restaurant and wine bar, private dining room and meeting space.

“We are thrilled to partner with Shakespeare Property Group again to open this incredible new addition to our growing portfolio of Handwritten Collection hotels,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PME, Adrian Williams.

“We’re seeing rapidly increasing popularity and demand in the boutique accommodation market, and Hotel Woolstore 1888 is well placed to capture this growth as a Handwritten Collection hotel.

IT WAS GREAT to be back in Adelaide for AHICE 2024 to catch up with partners, hear from key government and industry leaders and feel the optimism in the air. Growth, talent trends and technology were just some of the big topics on the agenda.

As IHG’s EMEAA CEO, Kenneth Macpherson, noted in his on-stage chat with James Wilkinson, despite various challenges facing the industry there are constant opportunities for growth in Australasia & Pacific, with luxury & lifestyle and resorts particularly strong in this region.

AHICE 2024 was the perfect moment for us to announce a major new signing. We were

thrilled to announce that we will open our first ever managed luxury hotel in Brisbane, following the signing of an agreement with Kokoda Property to bring the Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants brand to the trendy suburb of Teneriffe in 2028. The signing adds to IHG’s fastgrowing luxury and lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world, and reinforces its focus on its growing presence in Australia.

Thank you, and congratulations to James, Ruth and the HM team, for bringing the industry together and hosting such a thought-provoking event.

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Principal Partner Message Peter Harper, JLL

The four-level sandstone and brick building is one of oldest surviving wool stores in the city “Through our Handwritten Collection brand, we’re broadening our portfolio of boutique hotels and bringing together small to mid-size hotels that authentically reflect the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them.”

Hotel Woolstore 1888 is the fifth hotel that Shakespeare Property Group has partnered with Accor on in Australia, following Pullman Cairns International, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and Peppers Marysville.

“Partnering with Accor to operate Hotel Woolstore 1888 under its Handwritten Collection brand was an ideal choice for us as

we really want the original character of the hotel to shine,” said Shakespeare Property Group Vice President Hospitality Assets and Investments, Richard Saab.

“Handwritten Collection offers flexible brand standards, which is perfect for boutique hotel owners. It enhances the guest experience with a few light brand attributes, while still allowing us to benefit from Accor’s high standards of hospitality and globally renowned sales, distribution and loyalty platforms.

“The centralised operations and support team operated by Accor provides strong efficiencies for our hotels managed by the Group.”

JLL HOTELS AND Hospitality Group was thrilled to be a Principal Partner at AHICE 2024, with our ANZ team this year joined by CEO of APAC Hotels, Nihat Can Ercan, and Senior Managing Director, Head of Advisory and Asset Management, Xander Nijnens.

We had the pleasure of kicking off the event by hosting the Breakfast Masterclass, debating the ever-topical ‘Branded vs White Label Operators’, as well as wrapping up the conference with a JLL-sponsored VIP Investors and Operators event, which started at the Adelaide Oval for the thrilling ‘Crows v Power’ AFL showdown, then moved to SORA for dinner and drinks.

Some of the key themes that were highlighted across the two days included the rise of white-label management in Australia, the evolving preferences of travellers, sustainability as a top investment priority, technology advancements to enhance experiences and efficiencies, and a continued investor interest in Australia and the broader APAC region.

We’d like to extend our thanks to the organisers of AHICE and HM Magazine for providing us with the opportunity to once again support such a successful event, and connect with friends and clients.

We look forward to witnessing the industry’s growth and success throughout the remainder of the year.

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Principal Partner Message Craig Hooley, Minor Hotels Australasia

IT’S SAFE TO say that attendees of AHICE 2024 departed another successful event with an overwhelming sense of optimism in the future for the hotel industry.

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 Growing Regional Opportunities 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 fastestgrowing 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 hold a unique space in the market, in that we are big enough to offer the scale and resources of an international group, yet agile enough to provide dedicated focus.

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.

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EVT signs The Inchcolm EVT HOTELS AND Resorts has commenced management of boutique Brisbane hotel, The Inchcolm, operating under its Independent Collection by EVT (ICbE), in an extension of the group’s partnership with Invictus Developments.

EVT’s Director of Hotel and Resorts Operations, Norman Arundel, announced the deal at the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) on Thursday May 2.

“Now a three-hotel partnership under our management, the synergy between Invictus Developments’ investment ambitions in Australia and our operational expertise is continuing to flourish,” said Arundel.

“The Inchcolm, Brisbane is a charming, boutique hotel and a valued addition to the Independent Collection by EVT which continues to present hotel owners with a flexible model for any property type.”

Invictus Developments has also previously partnered with EVT on the management of The Old Clare Hotel and Harbour Rocks Hotel.

Under EVT’s management, a revamped guest experience is planned for The Inchcolm, as well as an updated food and beverage offering.

“Our ambitions within the Australian hotel sector are significant, and partnerships

The boutique hotel is filled with unique design details

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The Inchcolm will operate under the Independent Collection by EVT

are key to our success,” said Invictus Developments, CEO, Chayadi Karim.

“The addition of The Inchcolm, Brisbane under EVT’s management builds upon the expertise and capability injection already demonstrated at The Old Clare and Harbour Rocks Hotels. We look forward to continued momentum across these three hotels.”

Located in Brisbane CBD on Wickham Terrace, the 50room hotel features heritage styling including a vintage cage-styled elevator, original woodwork throughout and decorative ceiling.

The iconic Brisbane hotel has an impressive facade and heritage styling within

Principal Partner Message Lachlan Hoswell, Radisson Hotel Group IT HAS BEEN a pleasure once again to be a principal partner of AHICE 2024 in Adelaide.

The event was a great success, serving as a fantastic platform that brought together key partners and owners. It enabled our team at Radisson Hotel Group to share the value we can bring to our owners’ assets and developments across our 10 distinct brands, ranging from select-service to luxury.

We were thrilled to introduce new initiatives tailored for the Australasian market at the conference, including The Club of Revenue Management and our bespoke franchise offering, designed to drive additional cost benefits and increase bottom-line results.

Through our industry-leading commercial engine, which influences 70% of revenues and offers one of the strongest gross operating profit margins in the industry, we are confident that our continued growth in the region remains bright.

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Hilton has signed a 190-room property in Townsville

Hilton to open its first modular hotel in Australia HILTON IS SET TO open its first modular hotel in Australia under its fast-growing Hilton Garden Inn brand.

Located in Queensland’s north coast city of Townsville, the 190-room Hilton Garden Inn Townsville, which is slated for completion by early 2026, will operate under a management agreement with HHNQ Pty Ltd. The deal was announced during the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE APAC).

“It brings us great joy to collaborate with HHNQ and introduce Hilton Garden Inn to the thriving city of Townsville,” said Hilton Director, Development, Australasia, Tushar Raniga.

“The hotel will be modular constructed, which is a great way to reduce

Principal Partner Message David Mansfield, Ascott Australia

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construction time and lower building costs. The Hilton Garden Inn brand is experiencing swift expansion throughout Australasia, boasting three operational hotels and an additional six in the pipeline that will triple our presence over the next five years.”

Centrally located, alongside the new 25,000-seat Queensland Country Bank stadium, and surrounded by natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests, the hotel is set to benefit from Townsville’s many government services, predominantly in health and education, its large military base.

The hotel will feature a restaurant and bar, meeting rooms, a fully equipped gym, and a swimming pool.

AS MAJOR GLOBAL hotel brands shift to an asset-light strategy, the future of our industry rests in our ability to hone an organisational character representative of the talent we want to attract. Bringing about positive change demands perspective and the ability to see value in unity, alignment and collaboration amongst competing interests.

The hotel industry has a tremendous opportunity outside of new development and technology. Unity across what our industry stands for in terms of diversity and inclusion, the environment, and corporate governance will bolster career development opportunities and pave the way for the future leaders of our industry. Only with a robust pipeline of

diverse talent will we reap the benefits of development and technology. The future of our industry rests in the hands of those leaders willing to champion unspoken voices. Those voices that challenge the status quo. Those voices that lead to progress. Those voices capable of looking beyond ourselves to best serve the guest.

Ascott Australia remains laser-focused on enriching the stay experience to serve the ideals of a comfortable, stress-free and welcoming guest experience – a guest experience we can only purport to offer if we ourselves engrain it within the character of our organisation.

CONFERENCES A heritage-listed Launceston property will be reinvented as a five-star Pullman hotel

Pullman to make Tasmania debut ACCOR HAS SIGNED a deal with Tasmanian urban regeneration specialists, Red Panda Property, to manage its first hotel project – a five-star Pullman in the heart of Launceston.

The AU$45 million Pullman Launceston, designed by DKO Architecture, will regenerate a heritage-listed educational building into a 139-room five-star hotel, complete with restaurants, bars, and meeting and events spaces.

The Wellington Street hotel, which marks Pullman’s debut in Tasmania, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.

Principal Partner Message Barry Robinson, President & Managing Director International Operations Travel + Leisure Co.

“This will be an outstanding hotel and the international brand recognition of Pullman will help attract tourists and conferences

“The Tasmanian brand is globally admired.”

Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific

AS THE LARGEST and most influential conference in the region, AHICE provided a vibrant platform for industry leaders to converge, share insights, and shape the future. This year, the event brought over 1,500 delegates to Adelaide. A great lineup of speakers, including South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas MP and Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison MP, alongside global hotel heavyweights, ensured robust discussions on pressing issues. Hot markets, performance outlooks, and the world of AI were just some of the big topics on the agenda.

The Travel + Leisure Co. team was pleased to highlight how the recent acquisition of

to Launceston,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PME, Adrian Williams.

“With nature and food-based tourism being such powerful drivers of travel, Launceston and Tasmania has so much to offer domestic and international travellers.

“The Tasmanian brand is globally admired as being synonymous with excellence, purity, sustainability and premium quality, and with Launceston attracting new direct air services, we believe the arrival of the Pullman can further energise the State’s tourism sector.”

Accor Vacation Club has expanded the scope of our development portfolio with more diverse collaboration opportunities.

Mixed-use development combining hotel and vacation club inventory was also a hot topic, and we were pleased to emphasise the multiple revenue streams and occupancy benefits associated with this model.

AHICE 2024 underscored our industry’s resilience and commitment to innovation.

As we reflect on the conference’s success, Travel + Leisure Co. remains dedicated to pioneering strategies that propel the Asia Pacific hospitality industry forward.

Thank you and congratulations to the HM Team for hosting another successful event.

hotelmanagement.com.au

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CONFERENCES Callie van Der Merwe introduced the concept of ‘EnviroHacking’ in a keynote presentation at the 2024 Design Inn Symposium

DESIGN FOR GOOD THE 2024 DESIGN INN SYMPOSIUM SAW A STELLAR CAST OF SPEAKERS ENLIGHTENING DELEGATES ON SOME OF THE MOST PERTINENT TOPICS IN HOTEL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. RODERICK EIME REPORTS.

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delaide, the vibrant capital of South Australia, once again pulled out all the stops as host city of the Design Inn Symposium, with hotel design brought sharply into focus as the so-called City of Churches evolves into a 21st Century City of Hotels.

Stunning developments including the conversion of the heritage GPO into a 285-room 5-star Marriott, the brand’s debut in South Australia, were under the spotlight this year.

Sustainability was a consistent thread throughout many of the day’s discussions, including the issue of green credentials and accreditation. Angela Biddle, Principal at Fender Katsalidis, led a discussion asking panellists whether sustainable design is worth the cost.

CONFERENCES A sensory design panel discussed the importance of those little details in the guest experience

“Hotels need to consider accessibility at the initial design process.”

Delegates enjoyed keynote presentations, design showcases, panel discussions and Q&A sessions

The complexity of certification was also cited as a hurdle to design processes. Hilton’s Phillipa Le Roux emphasised that it was critical to establish collaboration with certifying bodies at the earliest juncture. “Get it right early in the process,” she said.

Mike Watson of Dezign reinforced the value of modern 3D rendering in dynamic hotel design. “Especially in old buildings,” he said, “and in an environment of tight budgets”.

Perhaps not always receiving the required attention was the subject of bathrooms.

The ‘Bathrooms Beyond Expectations’ panel was moderated by Samantha Eades, where the discussion was dominated by the rapid obsolescence of chrome, being replaced by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).

Grohe ANZ’s Steven Higgins was

understandably bullish about the wide adoption of this new technology in bathroom fittings, especially tapware.

“PVD has proven to be up to ten times more wear resistant to chrome and much easier to keep clean,” he said.

Another topic that produced some incredulous stares and muffled tittering was the principle of ‘body monitoring’ where your bathroom preferences (shower temperature, warmth of the toilet seat etc.) follow you around the world wherever the system is installed.

Callie van Der Merwe of COOOP introduced the concept of ‘EnviroHacking’ and how it impacts our wellbeing as employees and as hotel guests.

“Our primal survival instincts react to our

Ryan Smith, Principle, The Access Agency

environment in ways we often don’t consider,” van der Merwe said.

“The distinction between simple and complex shapes in design can have a profound effect on us when we’re exposed to them on a regular basis. Studies show that green spaces, for example, have a lower crime rate than stark concrete environments.”

An example that demonstrated this was when a massive high density housing estate was bulldozed because of its disastrously detrimental effects on the residents.

This school of thought was reinforced by Accor’s Damien Perrot who, in conversation with HM Editor, Ruth Hogan, discussed biophilic design and incorporating local elements into both the form and function of the property. hotelmanagement.com.au

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CONFERENCES

Raising the standard of accessible spaces was a hot topic at the 2024 conference A networking event on the rooftop at Eos rounded out the Design Inn festivities

Another recurring theme was the importance of accessibility in hotel design.

Ryan Smith, Principle at The Access Agency, delivered an impassioned presentation underscored by the ethos that accessible hotel rooms need not be ugly while conforming to minimum regulatory standards.

“Hotels need to consider accessibility at the initial design process,” Smith said.

“Accessibility can be both functional and beautiful and should consider the wide diversity of potential users, not just those in a standard wheelchair. We need to feel part of the community. Accessibility and inclusivity should be part of your brand.”

The room saw property design showcases from some of Australia’s recent high-profile projects. Greaton’s John Gounios discussed the challenges of Adelaide’s heritage GPO conversion; Chada’s Juliet Ashworth revealed the secrets behind the walls of Coburg’s Pentridge Prison; Moxy Hotel Sydney Airport 54

HM The Business of Accommodation

Accor’s global design lead for its PME division, Damien Perrot, discussed the future of hotel design

was presented by RF CorVal’s Maria Verner; and Ennismore’s Ellen Stenholm and Indyk Architects’ Shelley Indyk discussed the highly anticipated 25Hours Sydney.

HM Magazine editor, Ruth Hogan, kicked off a conversation with Max Mason General Manager of Osborn House, and Casper Schmidt of QCC Collection Group about how modular designs were used to expand the property’s inventory from 22 to 27 keys “in a matter of weeks”, while avoiding closure of the property during installation.

It was clear that the new generation of hotel guests are scrutinising hotels’ credentials at every level and that hotel owners, operators, managers, investors and designers need to be across all elements of ESG and understand

the depth of that concept extends way beyond simple window dressing.

As an extension of these ESG discussions the principle of ‘Sensory Design’ was discussed in a panel with Ivan Sunde. ‘Sight, sound and smell’, it became clear, is an integral part of hotel design while the danger of ‘well-washing’ infiltrating design needs to be mitigated against.

The insightful conference closed with the announcement of the Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards, before delegates took off around the city for hotel tours of the soon-toopen Crowne Plaza Mawson Lakes, Mantra Tonsley Adelaide, EVT’s Hotel Alba, Peppers Waymouth Adelaide and a pop-up prototype of Hilton Garden Inn. n

CONFERENCES

Moxy’s design win MOXY SYDNEY AIRPORT TAKES TOP HONOURS AT THE 2024 AUSTRALASIA-PACIFIC HOTEL DESIGN AWARDS.

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oxy Sydney Airport was the big winner at the 2024 AustralasiaPacific Hotel Design Awards, as Maed Collective with Group GSA took the awards for both New-Build Hotel of the Year, and the 2024 Paul Davis Award for the Australasia-Pacific Hotel of the Year.

The Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards celebrate excellence in hotel interior design for projects located in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific (including Hawaii) and completed and opened during 2023.

The four awards – for new-build properties, conversions, refurbishments and an overall winner, the Paul Davis Award – recognise exceptional projects that demonstrate design innovation, a commitment to sustainability design practices and deliver exceptional guest experience.

The judges said: “The design team, led by Maed, have created a hotel which is activated and dynamic – a unique accomplishment in an airport precinct.

“They have provided a welcoming and

Angela Biddle presenting Maria Verner with the 2024 Paul Davis Award for Moxy Sydney Airport, designed by Maed Collective

comfortable environment where every touch point across the common areas and guest rooms have been carefully considered.

“It balances playfulness and nostalgia perfectly to create a design outcome that shows that limited service does not equal limited design.

“The design team, along with the client have delivered a passion project, filled with character and soul. It is an exemplar lifestyle hotel in Australia.”

Highly Commended in the New-Build category was Vibe Hotel Adelaide, designed by Loucas Zahos Architects.

The winner of Hotel of the Year – Refurbishment was Rydges Melbourne, designed by Luchetti Krelle and EVT Design and Development.

The judges recognised “the challenges in breathing life into a mid-level hotel brand with design that elevates and innovates while catering for its established market”.

The judges felt that “Luchetti Krelle’s scheme was both brave enough and restrained enough to achieve both goals”.

Chada’s Juliet Ashworth and Luchetti Krelle’s Rachel Luchetti, who were both winners in this year’s awards

“It started with imaginative planning and ended with beautiful lighting, with everything in between combining to create a contemporary but accessible design that will entice both the corporate and leisure markets,” the judges said.

“The consistency of palette, the use of materials and the FF&E detailing were all admired. And the judges were also pleased to see that so much of that FF&E was procured locally, minimising the carbon footprint of the fit-out.”

Highly Commended in the refurbishment category was Hotel Morris Sydney, designed by Tom Mark Henry.

The winner of Hotel of The Year – Conversion was Adina Pentridge and The Interlude, designed by Chada.

The judges said: “A beautiful and sensitive transformation from a 170-year-old correctional facility to a much loved and sophisticated hospitality venue – from an old bluestone prison that confined prolific criminals such as Ned Kelly and Copper Read to a desirable new lifestyle precinct.

“Two polar opposite use cases blended seamlessly and masterfully into a rich tapestry of old and new with the historic canvas still proudly visible through the overlayers of delicately placed new design brush strokes.

Not too much. Just enough to hold each dialog in place.

“There could have been a temptation to mask the prior build fabric and its story a little more perceptibly so as to ensure the new project feasibility. However, here the new and old are respectfully and very deliberately celebrated in a rich new dialog with a comfortable tension between old and new. A very deserving winner.”

Highly commended in the Hotel Conversion category was Capella Sydney, designed by Make Architects and BAR Studio. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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CONFERENCES

Future leaders LA VIE HOTELS AND RESORTS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE, NICOLE BURG, SHARES HER EXPERIENCE AS A FIRSTTIME ATTENDEE OF THE 2024 FUTURE LEADERS FORUM.

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eing a young professional attending any conference for the first time, various thoughts emerge – wondering about the attendees, anticipating familiar faces, and considering the potential opportunities as a representative of your company.

At the beginning of your career, conferences such as AHICE are the perfect opportunity to work on your own professional network, all while fulfilling the responsibilities you have in your job with your team.

It’s crucial to be diligent about getting your name out there, having a positive impact in your role as an employee, and setting the tone of who you want to be in this industry.

Being my first AHICE, I was hopeful about the connections I could make with like-minded individuals at the Future Leaders Forum to 56

HM The Business of Accommodation

expand my circle of industry friends. Nevertheless, rubbing shoulders with industry giants like Rajeev Menon from Marriott and Clarence Tan from Hilton, the typical insecurities of being young amongst senior executives is always inherently present. The pressure to forge meaningful connections weighs heavily, as one can only hope the conversations you have with them will benefit both your personal and professional growth in the hotel industry.

What I really appreciated about this year’s event was the emphasis on championing future leaders, talent, and promoting an attractive workplace for those coming into it. It was recognised throughout the conference, particularly on the What Rising Stars Want panel, that the conversation needs to be had and change needs to be made.

The spotlight is on the veteran and executive members of the industry to actively engage with the young people in their companies, and those within the hotel community to inspire confidence to ensure the industry continues to attract qualified and passionate talent. I believe that we are all inspired and motivated by the successful people we encounter throughout our careers that we feel represent the best parts of this industry so well. Getting to network with CEOs, heads of regions, and other executive level professionals is what keeps our willingness and eagerness to grow and lead in the hotel world at an all-time high.

CONFERENCES

Hotel executives and young leaders at the 2024 Future Leaders Forum

“Conferences such as AHICE are the perfect opportunity to work on your professional network.”

Nicole Burg, La Vie Hotels and Resorts

Lucia Grambalova from Hotel Capital Partners in conversation with Hilton’s Amelia Perez Young leaders taking part in the Kahoot challenge

For future AHICE events, I would like to see the conversation on investing in and harnessing talent continue, with representation from the younger generation, and an opportunity for young professionals to connect with executive leadership.

It’s not every day we get to interact with such prominent figures in the industry. As someone who wants to grow in their career and hopes to be in a leadership role one day, the relationships I make today, with those that I aspire to be like, will only further enrich my professional development for the future. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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PROPERTY PROFILE The hotel envisions what the house of prominent municipal councillor, Dr J. Murray Robertson, would look like

Days of old THE ASCOTT LIMITED’S FIRST CREST COLLECTION IN ASIA PACIFIC, THE ROBERTSON HOUSE, TAKES GUESTS ON A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME TO SINGAPORE’S DAYS OF OLD. RUTH HOGAN REPORTS.

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he Ascott Limited introduced its first The Crest Collection hotel in Asia Pacific last year with the opening of a 336-room Singapore hotel in October 2023.

Formerly the Riverside Hotel Robertson Quay, the hotel was rebranded as The Robertson House by The Crest Collection following a phased renovation from March 2023.

A celebration of Singapore’s rich history, Robertson House has been conceptualised by an in-house design and technical services team, who crafted a narrative that remembers the past through a contemporary lens.

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Large-scale black and white imagery in guest rooms details Singapore’s history as a trading port

As the first The Crest Collection property in the region, the property sets the benchmark for future hotels to come, according to General Manager, Norman Cross.

“We started working on this brand about 18 months back, and we are excited to launch this brand in a lot more markets,” Cross told HM.

HISTORY REMEMBERED

Named in honour of Dr J. Murray Robertson, a prominent municipal councillor who inspired

PROPERTY PROFILE

Suites, located on levels 9 and 10, feature a generous bathtub and standing shower

the name of the nearby Robertson Quay – the largest of the three quays on the Singapore River – the hotel envisions what his house would look like.

Singapore’s colonial heritage is reflected in design details throughout the hotel. A large-

as a trading port for goods such as spices and coffee, the hotel has incorporated distinctive scents throughout the property to shape the guest experience and partnered with local vendors to curate bespoke amenities such as tea, coffee and gin.

scale black and white image of the famous quay serves as an eye-catching backdrop in each guestroom – which ranges from 24sqm to 48sqm – spanning a full wall behind the bed.

In a nod to the Singapore River’s history

Catering to both leisure and corporate guests, the property features a 25-metre outdoor pool and indoor and outdoor gym, three meeting rooms and a dedicated events space, as well as a poolside bar with alfresco

dining that can accommodate up to 120 people standing.

An exclusive Club Lounge known as the 1823 Reading Room, is home to a curated library of vintage books and titles that honour the ‘golden era’ of inclusive education in the 19th Century.

With Singapore’s MICE market on the up and up, Cross expects the hotel’s signature meeting spaces will be popular with corporate travellers.

“I am expecting 55% leisure, 45% corporate guests,” he said.

On-site restaurant, Entrepôt, brings together Asian and European flavours and techniques to satisfy a wide range of travellers, while a small ‘secret’ bar, Chandu, is tucked away in a discreet location at the back of the property – a fitting place for Dr Robertson to host those closest to him.

Meaning ‘opium’ in Malay, Chandu is a throwback to 19th Century opium dens – complete with its own opium pipe – and offers bespoke mixology with a market-to-table cocktail program for up to 16 seated guests. n

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GLOBAL AMBITION SEIBU PRINCE HOTELS WORLDWIDE INC PRESIDENT AND CEO, YOSHIKI KANEDA, SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT THE COMPANY’S MISSION TO TAKE JAPANESE HOSPITALITY TO THE WORLD STAGE.

Park Regis by Prince debuted in Dubai Islands earlier this year

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eibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc, Japan’s largest hotel chain, is on a mission to bring “omotenashi” – Japanese service from the heart – to the rest of the world under a new global identity.

Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts unifies the group’s three hotel companies – Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide, StayWell Holdings, and Prince Resorts Hawaii – encompassing a diverse portfolio of 25,000+ rooms across Japan and the globe, and streamlining the guest experience with one global website, integrated reservation system and loyalty program.

Speaking exclusively to HM, Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc. President and CEO, Yoshiki Kaneda, said the integration strengthens domestic and international strategies and supports the company’s ambitious expansion plans.

“We have over 100 years of history, with 70% of our hotels in Japan. In the next 10 years, we want to position ourselves as a leading global hotel company,” Kaneda told HM. “We have a very ambitious target to triple the number of hotels from 80 to 250 by 2035. The majority of [new hotels] will be outside Japan, and Australia is one of the key target markets.

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Yoshiki Kaneda, Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc “Our focus will be on the luxury and upper upscale segments in key gateway cities in Australia – which is not easy, particularly in Sydney as supply is limited.”

With many of the world’s most loved luxury brands originating from Asia, Kaneda believes there is an

HM Q&A

The 16-room boutique hotel Takanawa Hanakohro is uniquely placed in a 20,000sqm garden in the heart of Tokyo

opportunity to bring Japanese hospitality – which has yet to make a significant impact globally – to an international audience.

“I think that in the luxury and upper upscale segments, we can grow and compete against those big hotel companies,” he said.

JAPANESE HOSPITALITY MEETS WESTERN MANAGEMENT

Since the 2017 acquisition of StayWell Holdings, Seibu Prince has focused on leveraging StayWell’s operational and marketing expertise to drive international growth.

“The hotel industry in the western world has efficient management know how, so if we combine Japanese hospitality and western management, we should have a powerful competitive advantage,” Kaneda said.

In September 2023, the group selected New South Wales – specifically the Southern Highlands’ town of Bowral – as the second location globally for its flexible brand Park Proxi brand with the opening of Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, which followed Park Proxi El Hayat Sharm in Egypt.

The luxury Prince Akatoki brand, which debuted in London in 2019, however had to close shortly thereafter due to the global pandemic. It has now just had two successful years of operation in 2022-23, is gearing up for global growth, and is gearing up for global growth. So too is Park Regis by Prince, which debuted in Dubai Islands earlier this year with a sophisticated beachfront offering.

A unique collaboration of two brands, Park Regis and Prince Hotels, Park Regis by Prince celebrates the group’s unique bi-cultural heritage, resulting in a seamless fusion of Japanese, Australian and local elements bound together by a shared passion for exceptional hospitality.

While not a primary focus, Seibu Prince is also eyeing opportunities for independent collection hotels.

“We have created a unique Japanese Ryokan Style boutique hotel offering in a hotel – 16 rooms – the first

“If we combine Japanese hospitality and western management, we should have a powerful competitive advantage.”

Yoshiki Kaneda, Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc

of its kind in Japan, Takanawa Hanakohro is uniquely placed in a 20,000 sqm garden in the heart of Tokyo,” Kaneda said.

JAPAN MARKET

Since reopening to international travellers in October 2022, Kaneda said the tourism rebound has been “much better than expected”.

“Historically, the relationship between Japan and Australia has been always good,” Kaneda said.

“Japan is now very popular for inbound Australia and United States, one of the reasons being the exchange rate is good for these travellers, but also Japan’s rich history and culture.

“The number of American tourists to Japan increased [sixfold from 2022, to 2.05 million in 2023].

“I think inbound business will continue to grow in Japan. The Japanese government has a target to increase total number of inbound travellers to 60 million; just before the pandemic that number was 30 million.”

After losing approximately 70% of hotel industry employees to other sectors in the wake of the pandemic, Japan is rebuilding its hospitality workforce, and Kaneda says there is a lot of work to be done to market it as an appealing career path.

“I think we, as an industry, have to make the hotel business more attractive,” he said.

“The tourism industry will be the engine for Japan’s economic growth in the next 10 years.” n hotelmanagement.com.au

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HM Q&A The addition of Accor Vacation Club’s will grow the Travel and Leisure Co.’s club resort count by approximately 40% to a total of 77 properties

United for growth TRAVEL AND LEISURE CO. PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS, BARRY ROBINSON, SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT GROWTH IN VACATION OWNERSHIP AND PLANS FOR THE RECENTLY ACQUIRED ACCOR VACATION CLUB BUSINESS.

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ravel and Leisure Co.’s vacation ownership business is expanding to meet growing demand in Asia Pacific with the recent US$48.4 million acquisition of Accor Vacation Club, encompassing 24 resorts across Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

Under the deal, Travel and Leisure Co. will receive the exclusive rights to develop new vacation ownership clubs and products under the Accor Vacation Club brand across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, and Accor will receive a percentage of vacation ownership sales revenue as a licensing fee.

“There’s alignment for both businesses,” Travel and Leisure Co. President and Managing Director of International Operations, Barry Robinson, told HM. “Accor has built a solid vacation ownership business over the last 20 years with a great reputation and a good foundation to build upon; but Accor is moving out of asset ownership and towards a capital-light business, and to that sense, the vacation ownership business is very capital intensive.

“There are US$1.3 billion worth of assets in the Accor Vacation Club, and we will focus on a growth curve for them, similar to what we did with Wyndham.

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Barry Robinson, Travel and Leisure Co. “We’ll be developing mixed-use properties that will grow the hotel portfolio while we’re growing the footprint of the vacation ownership business both in the South Pacific and in Asia.

“We’re starting to ignite the sales machine for the Accor Vacation Club business, and we have growth targets that the team will be focused on achieving, which will include buying and acquiring other assets.”

EVOLVING MARKET

With the rise of the sharing economy, the vacation ownership model is evolving with more and more instances of shared ownership of vacation properties, Robinson said.

And as Gen Z and millennial travellers embrace remote work, many are embracing this type of offering.

“What we have found over the time is that our business

HM Q&A

has been pretty stable through good and bad times – our occupancies don’t really fluctuate, our sales velocity has been quite consistent,” Robinson said.

“It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry, especially in the US, where it’s something like US$15 billion worth of sales a year.

“In regional areas, people tend to use it in holiday regularly, and with the rise in flexible working, people are looking for more space to be able to work while they’re vacationing. We focus a lot on the remote work setup including Wi Fi capabilities and so on within our facilities.”

Despite complex legislation in the Australian market that doesn’t recognise the specifics of vacation ownership properties, Travel and Leisure Co is dominating the segment in the South Pacific.

“We’ve spent a lot of time educating legislators and government [on vacation ownership] but as it’s still quite a small sector, it’s hard to make significant changes to legislation,” Robinson said.

“What’s affecting our growth is the cost of construction and the price of flying interstate. We’ve been sitting on the fence waiting for things to either stabilise or soften a bit, so we’ve been acquiring in other markets offshore.”

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Accor Vacation Club properties will continue to operate under their existing Accor brands – Peppers, MGallery, Grand Mercure, The Sebel, Novotel, Mantra and Mercure While Robinson said acquisitions will continue, the business is currently focused on integrating and stabilising Accor Vacation Club and growing it in parallel with the Wyndham Vacation Club.

“We will more than likely have an acquisition before end of the year in the South Pacific, otherwise we may buy something in Asia that will support the growth until things rectify itself from a real estate perspective in the South Pacific market,” he said. n

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HM Q&A Singapore-based D’Cruz is responsible for luxury brands Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, LXR Hotels and Resorts and Conrad Hotels and Resorts, across Asia Pacific

opulenc e

AFFABLE

HILTON’S RECENTLY APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT OF LUXURY BRANDS FOR ASIA PACIFIC, CANDICE D’CRUZ, SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT CHANGING EXPECTATIONS IN THE LUXURY LANDSCAPE.

It’s all about finding that perfect balance between opulence and approachability.

In essence, it’s about crafting experiences that are both luxurious and meaningful, providing guests with opportunities for personal growth and enrichment while enveloping them in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality and warmth.

How have the expectations of luxury guests changed in recent years?

How will the entry of Waldorf Astoria to Australia in the coming years impact the luxury hospitality landscape in this country?

In the luxury travel segment, we’re witnessing a fascinating shift towards transformative experiences and the allure of off-the-beaten-track destinations. But it’s about taking these experiences to the next level, and how hotels can truly elevate their offerings to meet the evolving desires of today’s travellers. It’s not just about providing luxurious lodgings; it’s about crafting a complete destination experience that immerses guests in the essence of the locale. From the ingredients list of the restaurant to the vibrant atmosphere of the bar, every aspect of the hotel should reflect the unique flavour of the destination.

Today’s travellers crave more than just a place to rest their heads; they’re seeking experiences that resonate deeply with them. This trend is an opportunity for us to create spaces and moments that go beyond the ordinary, inviting guests to linger and savour every moment.

However, this shift towards a more relaxed and informal setting doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury. On the contrary, guests are willing to spend in experiences that are not only exceptional but also authentic and relatable.

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Candice D’Cruz, Hilton

As we closely monitor the ever-evolving hospitality and luxury landscape in Australia, it’s evident that the scene is flourishing with an abundance of anchor stores for highly coveted brands. This sets the stage for an exciting transformation within the luxury sector, particularly as we gear up to launch in Sydney against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Waldorf Astoria epitomises the essence of iconic hotels while embracing the spirit of each destination.

In our debut in Australia, we’re committed to bringing the brand’s DNA to life, striking a harmonious balance between global sophistication and the unique charm that resonates with both domestic travellers and those visiting Australia. Embracing the local expectation of informality and comfort, we’re poised to curate an experience that feels like a seamless extension of the Australian ethos.

Of course, no luxury experience is complete without exceptional food and beverage offerings. We’re crafting a culinary journey that will delight the senses and elevate the overall guest experience.

HM Q&A

As we continue to work behind the scenes on some exciting details, we look forward to sharing more with you in the near future.

You have long championed the development of female leaders in the industry.

How can the industry better support women in reaching senior roles?

With 50% of Hilton’s Executive Committee in Asia Pacific being female, covering roles in Brand Management, Finance, Human Resources, General Counsel and Communications, our team is positioned to lead by example and inspire a new wave of hospitality leaders in the region, shaping the future culture of the industry.

Hilton has recently been recognised as the No.1 World’s Best Workplace by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work, and the No.1 hospitality company to work for in Asia for the seventh consecutive year.

A collective effort has contributed to maintaining this coveted spot, and we will continue fostering an exceptional workplace for our 11,000 luxury employees in the region. Through mentorship, advocacy, and leading by example, the industry can empower the next generation of female leaders to achieve their full potential and make a lasting impact on the industry.

Conrad Singapore Orchard launched in January 2024 following an extensive property refurbishment

It should take into account the non-linear nature of women’s careers and the importance of accepting and celebrating it. We should allow the occasional sidestep, the exploring of new opportunities, and encourage experience setbacks along the way. Each of us follows a unique journey towards senior roles, and it’s essential to find fulfilment in every chapter. n

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CONCIERGE CORNER

Sydney in the spotlight Peter McBrearty, Les Clefs d’Or

TASTE OF Tassie THE TASMAN HOBART CHIEF CONCIERGE, JAMES NOBLEZA, ON WHAT BROUGHT HIM TO AUSTRALIA’S MOST SOUTHERLY STATE. Tell us about your career path to your current position at The Tasman Hobart.

Like many mainlanders, I travelled to Hobart and Tasmania on vacation and instantly fell for its beauty, its rawness and its charm. Having been a concierge in my home city of Sydney for 20 years, the opportunity to open Australia’s first Luxury Collection was one I could not miss. It is a perfect fit.

How did you familiarise yourself with the many local tourism operators and attractions available for your guests when you arrived?

I was transitioning from Sydney to Hobart at the end of the pandemic which restricted my travels and my opportunity to explore. My initial research consisted of travel vlogs and reviews of sights and attractions. Once I arrived in Hobart, I 66

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immersed myself in Hobart and beyond.

This involved numerous road trips around this beautiful state, meeting with suppliers, dining with restauranteurs and meeting local personalities. In order to provide my guests with the best and most authentic Tasmanian visit I needed to dine, sample and experience it for myself.

In July you will be hosting the first Les Clefs d’Or National AGM to be held in Tasmania – are you looking forward to highlighting what Tasmania has to offer to your interstate associates?

As the only member in Tasmania, I can’t wait to welcome our national members to the Tasman hotel and to showcase Hobart. I have been a vocal advocate for Tasmania, and they now have the opportunity to see for themselves. n

IT HAS BEEN an exceptionally productive few months for Les Clefs d’Or members around Australia.

The Les Clefs d’Or NSW Tourism Expo at the Sofitel Darling Harbour in March was an outstanding success, with more than 30 exhibitors, and raising more than AU$2500 for St Anthony’s Family Care. In Perth, our WA members held a successful expo with 20 exhibitors at the Parmelia Hilton and raised funds for their local charity Dandelions. Back in Melbourne, our Victorian Expo took place in May at the Park Hyatt Melbourne, with 32 exhibitors, concierge, and front-of-house staff from a wide range of Melbourne properties, with funds from the charity raffle donated to Bayley House.

This year the Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hotel (UICH) Les Clefs d‘Or International Congress was held in Bali, and 15 of our Australian members were able to attend to network with colleagues from around the world and benefit from the educational seminars.

Following the Congress, Les Clefs d’Or Australia President, Rhett Constantine, was proud to announce Sydney as the host city for the 2026 UICH Congress, which will see hundreds of international colleagues travel to Australia for a wonderful showcase of not only Sydney, but Australia as a whole.

All of our members are now looking forward to July, when our National AGM will be held in Tasmania for the first time and our sole Tasmanian member James Nobleza, Chief Concierge at The Tasman Hobart is looking forward to welcoming members from around Australia to his adopted city.

James has become a passionate advocate of the many attractions in store for visitors to Tasmania, being himself living proof of the power those attractions seem to exert in successfully luring many talented people away from our larger cities. James is the second of our former Sydney members to relocate to Tasmania, but perhaps after our Hobart AGM, he may not be the last!

6-8 MAY 2025 ADELAIDE OVAL, SOUTH AUSTRALIA THE ASIA PACIFIC HOTEL EVENT WHERE DEALS GET DONE

Hosted by

Co-hosted by

ahiceconference.com/asiapacific

DEVELOPMENT The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne was one of the major hotel openings in the Australian hotel landscape last year

THE 2024-2025 DEVELOPMENT

Outlook

REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS SHARE THEIR OUTLOOK ON THE AUSTRALASIAN HOTEL DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE.

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ACCOR PACIFIC Lindsay Leeser, Chief Development Officer

AS WE APPROACH the mid-point of 2024, the hotel development landscape is brimming with opportunities. With a growing demand for accommodation, increasing tourism, and evolving traveller preferences, developers have a unique opportunity to create properties that cater to the needs of modern travellers.

We’re seeing rapidly increasing popularity and demand in the boutique accommodation market, and our new Handwritten Collection brand is well placed to capture this growth. Handwritten Collection is a global portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels enriching Accor’s offering in the collection brands segment. Since launching just last year, we’ve opened three Handwritten Collection hotels in Australia – Hotel Morris Sydney, Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, and Wonil Hotel Perth.

We’re also seeing a shift towards more meaningful experiences in hotels. As travellers seek greater connection to local people, cultures, food and music, hotels are increasingly incorporating educational, emotional and sustainable elements into the guest experience.

In terms of upcoming hotel projects, Accor has several in the pipeline that will make a big impact in the industry throughout 2024 and 2025.

We are building our pipeline rapidly with a focus on strategic locations in major cities, airports and holiday destinations.

Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company in which Accor holds a majority shareholding, will open three of Australia’s most anticipated hotels over the next 12 months – 25hours Hotel The Olympia in Sydney, Mondrian Gold Coast, and Hyde Perth,

marking the debut of all three brands in Australia. In New Zealand, Ennismore will open an additional two new hotels in 2025, including JO&JOE Auckland and Hyde Queenstown.

Additional new hotels opening later this year include the dualbranded Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport – Victoria’s largest hotel development this year; Central Queensland’s first five-star hotel Peppers Gladstone; and the bold, design-led TRIBE Auckland Fort Street.

We’re also seeing continued high demand for Pullman, which is the largest five-star premium brand in the Pacific. We recently announced that we’re bringing a new 139-room Pullman to Launceston in 2027, and we opened two new flagship Pullman hotels – Pullman Sydney Penrith and Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport – in the region last year.

With these new developments, there is plenty of excitement on the horizon for Accor and the industry at large.

CBRE Hotels Michael Simpson, Managing Director – Hotels, Pacific

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT IN Australia has traditionally been challenging due to factors such as high land costs, high construction costs, supply constraints from urban planning, historically lower hotel performance compared to international peers, and competition from other land uses that are often considered more profitable.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant surge in international inbound travel, coupled with growing domestic demand.

This has led to a substantial increase in revenue per available room and

Tribe is set to debut in New Zealand later this year

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a period of strong growth in new hotel supply across most capital city markets in Australia.

This included the introduction of pinnacle luxury and lifestyle brands including Ritz Carlton Perth and Melbourne, W Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, Ace Hotel Sydney, Capella Sydney, Crown Sydney and Le Meridien Melbourne, to name a few. Hotels currently under construction and set to open over the next 12-18 months include Standard Melbourne, Shangri La Melbourne, 1 Hotel Melbourne, Waldorf Astoria Sydney and Rosewood Brisbane, highlighting further quality additions to Australia’s accommodation offerings.

This significant addition to supply has materially enhanced Australia’s tourism offerings, providing purpose-built hotels to cater for constantly evolving guest demands.

Many of these projects were conceived and delivered during a period of lower interest rates, and lower construction costs.

The recent global pandemic saw domestic and international travel patterns materially affected. In many cases, especially in longerhaul destinations like Australia, international travel is yet to recover fully. Several adverse economic impacts have occurred, such as high inflation, supply-side issues with building materials, extensive State and Federal infrastructure programs leading to a shortage of skilled trades for commercial construction, and higher interest rates. These factors have combined to create an environment where, in most instances, the development of new hotels is not economically viable.

New hotel projects that have not yet begun will significantly lag behind the rate of those delivered in the past 10 years unless several conditions are met. These conditions include a moderation of construction costs, a return of international inbound travellers to Australia at or above 2019 levels, growth in corporate travel budgets, and a return of inflation to the RBA’s target band of 2%-3%, resulting in interest rate cuts. Alternatively, incorporating mixed-use project components such as residential can enhance returns and mitigate the impact of these factors.

CHOICE HOTELS ASIA-PAC Trent Conroy, Head of Investments and Portfolio Growth

CHOICE HOTELS ASIA-PAC anticipates strong net unit growth in 2024, despite factors causing industry uncertainty. Growth rates are subdued 70

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Australia has welcomed a host of major international brands in recent years including Ace Hotels

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across the region driven by weaker than forecast inbound tourism and persistent levels of inflation and interest rates. These factors combined with limited land availability, labour shortages and rising material expenses have increased construction costs especially across major tourist hubs in New South Wales and Victoria.

Rising development costs have created funding and yield challenges for new builds and renovation projects. The regional workers’ accommodation fund is witnessing high demand and oversubscription.

As a result, developers and investors are increasingly drawn to brands with a strong balance sheet, financial support, and franchise model flexibility. Choice Hotels are seeing commercial developers, particularly for mid and upscale projects, approaching us in higher volumes than ever before.

Independent hotels are also increasingly turning to brands, driven by market dynamics and guest preferences.

They’re seeking to leverage the strength and support of recognised brands in times of market uncertainty along with an established and trusted framework to meet guest expectations around service, sustainability, and customer personalisation. Choice Hotels are witnessing strong in-bound interest, particularly in regional and rural locations where our leading market presence is recognised.

As market consolidation continues to rise, owners and operators appreciate the benefits of scale and are increasingly looking to grow their portfolios. This growth trend presents opportunities for corporate development and conversion strategies. Responding to this, Choice Hotels has adjusted our approach to support the aspirations of our current and prospective franchisees. Leveraging our scale, strong

balance sheet and franchisee-geared services we’re supporting our owners to turn a single hotel into a multi-unit portfolio.

As an asset-lite franchisor, we’ll always champion the clear benefits of franchising. It’s pleasing to see interest in the model continue to climb reinforced by the rise of competitive interest and requests for dual proposals, and growth in white-label management companies.

These development opportunities across investment-led and conversion deals has seen Choice Hotels Asia-Pac reimagine our Development and Investment team to include dedicated expertise under each approach. Corporate development and conversion working together under a united strategy ensures we can leverage the full suite of our franchise offering and drive rapid growth.

EVT Norman Arundel, Director of Hotels and Resorts

AS WE LOOK forward to the year ahead, EVT is driven by a strong growth agenda that prioritises meaningful expansion. Our ongoing focus is to grow our portfolio by outperforming the market, through flexible new hotel management models and entry into new markets, especially Southeast Asia.

By achieving this expansion and delivering operational excellence, we will continue to build strong relationships with our hotel owners and attract and retain top talent across our EVT Elevate program.

The performance of our current hotel portfolio has seen steady growth over the past year. We consistently match, and often exceed QT is known for its stellar food and beverage offerings

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Adelaide Marriott is slated to open in August 2024

market share and guest satisfaction standards set by global hospitality businesses. One of EVT’s advantages lies in our agile operating models and our investment into technology. Having local decision makers enables us to quickly respond to market shifts and stay ahead of the innovation curve, which will become increasingly important in the year ahead with continued market volatility.

In recent years, we’ve strategically expanded our core brands covering Luxury to Budget, positioning ourselves to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities. This will be a focus area for EVT seeking growth across Australia, New Zealand and into Southeast Asia, with our first property for the region, QT Singapore, opening in September.

At EVT, we’re not only operators. We think like hotel owners because we are also hotel owners. This shared mindset fosters trust and alignment with our partners, allowing us to structure deals that meet their needs. Whether it’s managing properties or expanding our licensed hotel portfolio, our focus remains squarely on collaboration and mutual success.

Our future roadmap is clear: grow revenue above market, maximise assets across all properties, and transform our business through operational excellence, technological expertise, and collaborative partnerships to drive sustainable growth across Asia-Pacific in an everevolving hospitality landscape.

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HILTON Tushar Raniga, Director of Development, Australasia

THE AUSTRALIAN HOTEL development sector is currently navigating the significant challenge of rising development costs. As a response, innovative solutions such as modular development are gaining traction, a concept that Hilton recently showcased at AHICE with the Hilton Garden Inn room prototype. The recently signed Hilton Garden Inn Townsville, set to open in 2026, is a prime example of this approach.

To stimulate growth in the upscale segment, we introduced the Hilton Garden Inn brand to Australasia in 2021. With plans to triple its presence over the next five years, this brand utilises a kit-of-parts approach, offering developers a transparent and well-considered design. A similar strategy is being adapted for a mid-tier product, slated for launch later this year.

Furthermore, the escalating development costs are leading to a slowdown in new developments, resulting in an uptick in conversions across the region. Owners are seeking alignment with platforms that can enhance distribution and minimise costs. Backed by a global network of over 190 million Hilton Honors Members, Hilton’s distribution engine ensures greater revenue flow to owners.

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Sustainability has become a paramount concern, with Hilton committed to reducing its environmental footprint by half and doubling its social impact by 2030. This pledge aligns with the growing global consciousness of environmental issues and the increasing importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Lastly, the region is witnessing a surge in franchising, driven by owners seeking more flexibility and control over hotel operations.

In response, Hilton launched its franchise platform in Australasia in 2023.

IHG HOTELS AND RESORTS Cameron Burke, Director of Development – Australasia and Pacific

IHG has signed a deal with Felix Capital to open a Holiday Inn and Suites property in the Sunshine Coast

HOTELS ARE PROVING to be an incredibly resilient asset class in the face of adverse macroeconomic conditions. So much so that the prevailing classification of hotels as an alternative real estate investment is now being challenged given comparatively favourable performance against traditional core assets like retail and commercial offices.

New hotel developments continue to rely on broader mixed-use components to assist with feasibility – with blends of residential, retail, hospitality and commercial offices being popular in the creation of destination precincts which are invariably anchored by the relevant hotel. Over the next 12-18 months I expect this trend to continue, not only as a fundamental debt servicing requirement, but also more strategically as planning approvals are inclined towards promoting lively communal activations that enhance adjacent locale. Hotel positioning is also becoming progressively aligned to the luxury and lifestyle segment, which appeals to developer feasibility and is reflective of contemporary guest travel preferences.

The confluence of these trends manifested with Kimpton in Brisbane’s Teneriffe, which was signed and announced with Kokoda Property at AHICE 2024. This 155-key luxury lifestyle hotel will form part of a vibrant precinct on the banks of the Brisbane River, in the heart of one of the city’s trendiest suburbs.

Boasting waterfront access and an enticing infinity pool atop Brisbane’s famed riverwalk, the Kimpton is set to become a locally loved destination for the aspirational and socially inclined when it opens in 2028.

Looking ahead, South East Queensland will continue to attract the interest of developers, hotelmanagement.com.au

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25hours will make its Australia debut next year with the government’s strong investment in public infrastructure and focus towards the 2032 Olympics creating an array of new hotel opportunities. We were pleased to recently announce the signing of the 160-key Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra, securing the presence of the world’s largest brand family in this prime leisure destination on the Sunshine Coast. Balancing a premier location with outstanding aspect in the heart of Caloundra, this hotel will address the current shortage of quality accommodation product on the Sunshine Coast.

We’re excited to have several other key hotel signings slated for the next few months.

JLL HOTELS AND HOSPITALITY Ross Beardsell, Executive Vice President Strategic Advisory

AUSTRALIA AND NEW Zealand’s largest-ever hotel expansion is beginning to slow, leaving the region with an enviable stock of world-class hotels and resorts.

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There are still some signature hotels in the pipeline, with the Marriott Adelaide, Shangri-La Melbourne, Star Grand Brisbane, and 25hours Sydney scheduled to open over the next year. The launches of Waldorf Astoria Sydney in 2026 and Pullman Launceston in 2027 will largely complete the current luxe hotel development cycle in Australia.

The new hotel development has played a key role in city renewal projects such as Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf, Perth’s Elizabeth Quay, and Northbank in Melbourne, but even the prospect of hosting the Olympics in Brisbane in 2032 is unlikely to generate a fresh wave of development.

With supply having increased enough to accommodate future demand growth and dramatic rises in construction costs, many other mooted projects will be challenged to stack up.

Past hotel supply booms have traditionally been followed by decade-long droughts as the market rebalances, but in place of major new projects, there is likely to be a move towards substantial asset renovations, such as the AU$60 million upgrading of Sydney hotel icon Sofitel Wentworth.

It is also likely to herald strong acquisition growth, as reflected in

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the recent sales of, 1888 Hotel in Darling Harbour and InterContinental Hotel Double Bay. The acquisition is the second major hotel deal in Sydney in the past month after the InterContinental Hotel in Double Bay was acquired by a group of developers for AU$215 million.

Effective hotel asset management has never been more crucial. Concerns over the slow recovery in international and corporate travel, geopolitical volatility, the cost-of-living crisis, the potential for further interest rate hikes, and the collapse of Bonza, which will reduce domestic aviation competition, are creating a complex operating environment for hotels at all levels.

Owners and operators will need to adopt a defensive approach to asset management, maintaining a laser focus on their operating structures. This strategic management is not just a necessity, but a key driver of success in the current landscape.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development ANZP

Vibe Adelaide was Highly Commended in the new-build category in the 2024 Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards

AS A NASDAQ-LISTED company, Marriott International’s shareholders demand growth, and we are certainly upholding our end of the bargain in Australia. Six new hotel openings since March 2023 (in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Port Moresby) have been our region’s contribution to Marriott’s strategic aim “to be in more places”.

When Marriott acquired Starwood in 2016, Marriott operated just 6 hotels in the Australia Pacific region. Today, we have 47 hotels, and another 20 agreements signed, meaning we will move from 6 hotels to more than 60 by 2027.

Importantly though, it’s not the number of hotels that is defining our growth, but the quality. Right now, Marriott can state without challenge that we operate the newest, best, and highest performing hotels in our region.

To preserve that market position, we often say no; only putting energy into competing for new hotel projects with the right location, the right brand fit, the right commercial terms, and the right owners. In short, we don’t open hotels for the sake of planting another flag in the ground. Instead, our growth needs to make sense for us, our guests, and our hotel owners.

It is well known that escalating construction costs, increasing interest rates, inflation, and debt challenges weakened the business case hotelmanagement.com.au

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DEVELOPMENT The Eve Hotel in Sydney will form part of a major mixeduse development between Surry Hills and Redfern

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for hotel development in recent years. In that environment, many signed new hotel projects are yet to break ground and our response has been to extend contracted milestone dates, to give projects every chance of materializing – and succeeding.

Our hotel developer partners have welcomed this commercial flexibility, and it is our expectation that with the return of a more certain and stable macro environment, hotel development activity will be reignited over the coming eighteen months. Therefore, whilst near-term hotel room supply increases will be limited, increased construction activity in our sector throughout 2024 and 2025 will see a spike in exciting new hotel openings across Australia in 2027.

MINOR HOTELS Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer, Australasia

THE HOTEL INDUSTRY’S journey through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The resilience and adaptability of our sector were put to the ultimate test.

Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, a glimmer of hope emerged – a surge in demand from the domestic leisure segment that defied all expectations. This unexpected boom propelled occupancy rates to unprecedented levels and sent ADR soaring to new heights. While the initial shock may have subsided, the strength and resilience displayed by ADR prove the stability of our market.

With construction costs stabilising, hotel developments are once again on the rise, with investors seizing the opportunity to capitalise on the pent-up demand for travel and hospitality experiences. At Minor Hotels, we are delighted to announce several new projects across Australia in both key city locations and regional areas. These upscale developments are not just strategic investments; they are a testament to our unwavering confidence in the resilience of the Australian hotel industry.

Looking ahead, the future of hotel development in Australia appears brighter than ever. With the expansion of Qantas’ point-to-point flights from Europe and the US, coupled with the anticipation surrounding major events like the upcoming Olympic Games, will further reinforce the optimism for hotel development and industry expansion. The next five years will offer promising growth and interest for our region, with Australia poised to benefit from both domestic and international future travel trends, providing us with the opportunity to create an innovative and sustainable future.

TFE HOTELS John Sutcliffe, Director of Development

THE PAST FEW years have been transformational for TFE Hotels as we continue our expansion across our prime markets of Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, but also Asia.

Our ongoing strategic focus to ensure that our portfolio of hotels each align with our high expectations has resulted in a considered and targeted refurbishment program delivering a portfolio that is the best it has ever been. The refurbishment of Adina Sydney Town Hall, Adina Chippendale, Adina Melbourne Flinders Street, and Rendezvous Melbourne – ensures that our new hotels are joining a group of marketleading properties.

TFE’s unique position of owning or leasing two thirds of our hotels means that we are able to undertake these refurbishments as required, whilst the demonstrable improvement in returns that flow, presents a

compelling option for the owners of hotels that we manage. Our Adina brand has for many years been associated with both the repurposing of existing – such as Adina Brisbane and Adina Melbourne Southbank – and as part of larger mixed-use precincts as per Adina Bondi and Adina Pentridge, which is an integral part of Melbourne’s AU$1b Pentridge precinct. This association will evolve and expand as owners continue to recognise the seamless alignment that our casual living brands have with such developments.

The recently announced first-of-its-kind MM:NT Berlin Lab – our digitally hosted sustainable apartment hotel in beta testing – will help to solidify our position in this market when it is introduced to Australia.

As our Vibe brand readies itself for its twenty-first birthday, the portfolio has never been stronger, with exceptional Vibes in Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne Docklands, joining an already stellar line-up.

These design-led hotels are a credit to their owners and will lead the way for our continued expansion.

Excitingly, our Collection properties will soon be joined by The Eve Hotel Sydney, Hannah St. Hotel in Melbourne’s Southbank, and our yetto-be-named hotel in Melbourne’s Docklands.

These properties continue to provide guests with unique experiences in hotels that each have a distinct story.

Right now, there’s never been a more exciting time for TFE, and we can’t wait to see what the future will bring.

TRAVEL AND LEISURE CO. Warren Cullum, Senior Vice President Resort Operations

AT AHICE 2024, we highlighted how strategic partnerships have been instrumental in our growth trajectory. We’re focussed on expanding our core business by acquiring and developing vacation ownership clubs worldwide. Our dynamic and game-changing partnership with Sports Illustrated Resorts and our recent acquisition of the Accor Vacation Club underscore our dedication to diversification and expansion.

Travel and Leisure Co. has the exciting opportunity to introduce new vacation clubs bearing the Accor Vacation Club name internationally.

We’re currently assessing various markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Turkiye for future expansion.

We are poised to leverage our mixed-use development model with Accor Vacation Club to grow Accor hotel brands, mirroring our successful approach with Club Wyndham and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.

Japan has become a key market for us, driven by the convergence of a weakened yen and a surge in tourism. This economic environment has made assets attractively priced. Our recent acquisition of Club Wyndham Chikumakan in Nagano highlights our strategic commitment to leveraging Japan’s booming hospitality sector. This resort marks our 19th property in the country, highlighting our ongoing expansion and investment in this dynamic market.

China remains a major focus, with Chinese travellers returning to both domestic and international travel. Thailand, with its visa-free policy for Chinese travellers, is poised to stimulate further growth, making it an attractive prospect for hotel development.

Looking ahead, we will continue to maintain a strategic importance on the South Pacific market, actively seeking acquisition opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere in the South Pacific. As part of our annual refurbishment program, we will spend close to $20 million on refurbishments this year across twelve Club Wyndham and Accor Vacation Club properties in Australia, Fiji, and Thailand. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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FEATURE HEADING

Asia represents a highgrowth travel market in the coming years

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Trillion-dollar opportunity AT EXPLORE 24, EXPEDIA GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HOTEL MARKET PARTNERSHIPS, HARI NAIR, SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOTELIERS IN THE US$2.3 TRILLION TRAVEL MARKET.

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e know Expedia Group has valuable travel insights. What are you seeing in terms of the global travel outlook?

The global travel market is currently worth US$2.3 trillion and it will probably be somewhere in the region of US$3.2-US$3.5 trillion in the next four or five years. There is a lot of room for everybody. But if you break it down in terms of the players – OTAs, travel agencies, hotel websites and other players – all of them will be growing at a rate of somewhere between 6-10%.

OTAs at the higher end of the range, 10%; hotels’ own websites, somewhere in the 8% range, but a really robust rate of growth. If you look regionally at North America versus Asia versus Latin America and EMEAA, those same numbers, you will see Asia growing at almost 13% – very fast, high growth, lots of intra-Asia travel – Europe and North America growing at almost half the rate because they’re the most mature markets.

There’s a growing population in India who are up and coming. Indians – and I can say this with confidence because I am Indian – will typically travel to places 78

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Hari Nair, Expedia Group

like Bangkok, the Philippines and Vietnam first before they start going to Australia, and then go to Europe; the Americas is too far, it’s very expensive.

Then if you take a look at lines of businesses, you look at car versus activities versus flights versus hotels – hotels by far is the biggest category; it’s the most fragmented. Therefore, the growth rates for hotels will also be in the 6-10% range, whereas activities, things to do, will grow at a rate of almost 15%.

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have largely considered us as a consumer-facing business and have underestimated the power of our B2B arm, not understanding that we power 60,000 other companies.

Travellers travel in a variety of ways; some go directly to a hotel’s website, some come to our site and then there are some travellers who are very loyal to other companies – and the fact that we power them is a completely new revelation. I think the opportunity for us to help our hotel partners navigate this web of complexity through our data, insights, and tools.

What challenges do you see facing the Australian hotel market in particular?

Australia is a really interesting and important market for us – Expedia acquired Wotif a number of years ago – and I think Australia is one of those few geographies where we have a really good mix of both domestic and international travel. And usually, hotels want to have a fair measure of both. They want the quick getaways

Australia continues to benefit from strong domestic travel as internationals numbers grow

We can go to a hotel and explain this is the travel landscape over the next couple of years, tell us what you need, and it’s quite likely that we have a solution based on what their objectives are. If you want to attract a specific type of traveller, we have tools where you can provide an offer that is specific to an American traveller, for example, that no one else will see. We can segment points of sale and you can offer something that is available for all or just for some.

What are you hearing from hotel partners at the moment? What challenges are they facing?

We work with hotels all around the world. We collect data from them in terms of how they engage with us, but we also have a team of account managers that work with hotels. The number one thing that we hear from hotels, particularly in a post-Covid environment, is that cost of operating a hotel has gone up, therefore, there’s pressure on the bottom line. Number two is the cost of talent has gone up. In a world where remote working is a thing, you are paying top notch dollars to get talent. To be a housekeeper or to be a bellman, you need to show up, you can’t do that from home. So, when you combine these two things, hotels are thinking, ‘How do I optimise revenues?

I don’t have the manpower to manage all these channels.’

That’s what we hear.

The second thing we hear – and we’ve seen it, it’s one of my biggest revelations here at Explore 24 – is hotels

or staycations – and Wotif is able to do that – but at the same time, they want that long-haul customer who is going to travel long, spend more, stay longer, fewer cancellation rates, and so on and so forth. We have the ability to give our partners the best of both.

The big thing for our hotel partners – not just in Australia, but everywhere – is be very clear to us about what your objectives are, because it helps us give recommendations. Everything else falls under two buckets. Number one is offer and value, meaning make sure you’re available, that your rates are competitive, and that you’re giving something to our loyal members.

Number two, where hotels need the help, is traveller and guest experience. Once we have delivered the customer, are they being treated the same way as a customer who came directly to the hotel’s website? In the last two years, we’ve been very purposeful about educating partners on the importance of doing that, and not discriminating based on what channel has been used [as it can impact reviews].

How do you support those hotels that encounter bad reviews or that are not performing well on that front?

Most travellers, not just on our platform but in general, mean well, so something must have really gone wrong for them to be upset and make it known to the world.

They want to see hotels make an effort, and that is where we are helping properties by recommending the specific areas that can be improved based on guest feedback.

The cost of operating a hotel has gone up and that has resulted in hotels putting up prices. At the same time, there’s not enough staff and there might be a reduction in services. That is where we continue to educate our hotel partners, saying it is okay if you’re taking away services, but be transparent and make it known that the pool closes at 5pm. Don’t have the content say it’s open until 9pm because you didn’t make the change. Then of course you’re going to deal with a pretty irate traveller. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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TRAVEL Hawaii is yet to see a meaningful return of travellers from Japan, according to former AHLA CEO, Chip Rogers

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UNITED STATES AND

FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE AMERICAN HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOCIATION (AHLA), WILLIAM ‘CHIP’ ROGERS SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT THE GLOBAL TRAVEL LANDSCAPE AND CHALLENGES FACING US HOTELS.

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recognisable figure in the US hotel landscape and a former Republican member of the Georgia State Senate, William ‘Chip’ Rogers has spent the last 15 years in key leadership roles at major US hotel industry associations.

After a decade with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) – the largest hotel owners association in the world – Rogers most recently served as President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) before announcing his resignation in early March.

On a recent visit to Sydney for a keynote presentation at Ted’s Tech Conference, Rogers spoke to HM about life after AHLA and key developments in the US. 80

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Chip Rogers

Chip, you’ve just recently announced your resignation. What were your reasons for leaving AHLA and what’s next for you?

When I came into the association, for the most part, we were a federal advocacy team. We didn’t have much, or any, presence in the states and cities. I had some goals of building out our foundation – which we tripled in size – and creating what has turned into a global campaign against human trafficking in hotels. Then, building out our team so that we could effectively advocate for hotels, not just at the federal level, but at the state and local level as well. When I arrived, we had about 42 employees and today there’s, I think, 93 employees. We were able to do all that and we also created a significant events team. Last year, we held our first major hotel conference – it was the third largest first-year conference

TRAVEL

The strong US dollar is impacting the numbers of Europeans holidaying on the US East Coast, Rogers says

of any kind in the US in 2023. We’ve had a lot of successes, everything was firing on all cylinders, but the biggest thing for me was my travel schedule. I hit 240 nights on the road last year; the year before that, well over 200. I just got to the point where, physically, it was beginning to take a toll on me and the team. The team that I put in place is doing everything we could possibly do and so I felt like it was a good time.

Are you planning to remain in the hotels industry?

Do you have any plans for what’s next?

I’ll definitely take a break. I love the fact that my first trip postemployment was to come to Australia which has been fantastic. I’ve got some opportunities already available. I’m certainly not opposed to coming back into the hotel industry – I love it, I think it’s the best industry in the world – but I’m not 100% guaranteed that I’ll come back.

[Editor’s note: since this interview, Rogers has commenced a role as Special Advisor at consulting and government relations firm, Ervin Graves Strategy Group.]

What are the big challenges facing the US hotel industry at the moment?

The biggest challenge continues to be labour – there’s just not enough people in the workforce. The US economy has, unfortunately for many years now, millions more job openings than there are people looking for work and so that unbalance has done two things. One, it has created a scenario where hotels don’t have enough people to operate at what you would consider 100% efficiency, like they did before the pandemic.

Secondly, because there are so many job openings that has created significant wage inflation, and so especially in the hotel industry, wages have risen at a rate much faster than the rest of the economy. That wage inflation is really hurting the bottom line for a lot of hoteliers.

How is the AHLA tackling this labour shortage?

This issue has persisted for many years. Even before the pandemic, there were hundreds of thousands of job openings, so I think it’s an above-all approach, finding people that typically don’t come into the workforce.

There are a lot of employers that are really focusing on recruiting non-

“Wage inflation is really hurting the bottom line for a lot of hoteliers.”

Chip Rogers, former AHLA CEO violent offenders after they have served their time in prison. They’re looking for an opportunity to work, and oftentimes hotels – particularly back of house in hotels and restaurants – is a good starting point for them to rebuild their lives. AHLA has a programme called Opportunity Youth, targeting 18 to 24-year-olds that are out of the workforce, but have a good hospitality skillset. Then there are also efforts to urge Congress to allow more legal immigration into the US to grow the legal workforce.

There are millions of people who come into the US claiming asylum, and they are not allowed to apply for work for the first six months. We have this massive demand [for workers] oftentimes in the very hotel where they’re staying. AHLA is lobbying Congress to shorten [the timeframe that asylum seekers have to wait to apply for a job] from six months down to one month. These efforts to bring more people into the country legally is a constant political problem, but if it is not solved, it is one that will continue to dampen the US economy.

What are you seeing in the US in terms of travel trends?

Are hotels feeling the effects of the slow return of travellers from China and other parts of Asia?

Absolutely, especially on the West Coast of America, Asia travel is just not back to where it was. Even a place like Hawaii, that traditionally has a significant portion of its annual visitors come from Japan, that’s not back either. Everyone’s hoping it gets back there someday, but it seems to be quite a way off. The East Coast is typically dominated by European travel, but the strength of the US dollar has made it much cheaper for Americans to go to Europe as opposed to Europeans coming to America. n hotelmanagement.com.au

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PEOPLE

ON THE Move

YOUR ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST KEY APPOINTMENTS ACROSS THE HOTEL INDUSTRY.

Alison Hulm

CAPELLA HOTEL GROUP

CAPELLA HOTEL GROUP has appointed Ivy Kwan as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

In a career spanning over 30 years, Kwan has held leadership roles in award-winning hotels across Asia, including One&Only and Atlantis brands in the Asia-Pacific region, and a decade with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

“Ivy has proven herself to be an expert across various segments of sales and marketing, demonstrating Ivy Kwan strong expertise in brand management, marketing, public relations, communications, sales, revenue optimization, and distribution,” said Capella Hotel Group President, Cristiano Rinaldi.

LANGHAM HOSPITALITY GROUP

LANGHAM HOSPITALITY GROUP has appointed Alison Hulm to the newly created role of Director – Development, Australasia.

Hulm will be responsible for the group’s strategic growth and development plans for the region, with a focus on building its hotel management business and expanding the presence of its brands – The Langham Hotels & Resorts, Cordis Hotels & Resorts, Eaton, and Ying’nFlo. “[Alison’s] extensive industry knowledge makes her the ideal person to showcase the advantages of our offerings, while her wide-ranging expertise ensures she can fully address the diverse needs of our clients,” said Langham Hospitality Group Vice President – Development, Asia Pacific, Markus Aklin.

ACCOR

ANDREW HILLS HAS taken on the General Manager role at Novotel Sydney Darling Square, also taking leadership of adjoining venue, Pumphouse Sydney, as of April 2024.

Hills’ hotel career includes over 26 years with Accor, which saw him in General Manager roles at a number of properties across New South Wales, including Mercure Penrith, Mercure Sydney Parramatta, Ibis Sydney Darling Andrew Hills Harbour and, most recently, Novotel Sydney Central.

“I am looking forward to engaging with our guests and staff, bringing to life the vibrant energy of the Darling Square precinct and positioning the property and venue as the place of work, stay and play,” said Hills.

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HM The Business of Accommodation

Neeraj Govil

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL HAS tasked company veteran Neeraj Govil with driving performance and operations across all 24 brands and 22 markets in Asia Pacific, excluding China (APEC) as Chief Operations Officer for the region.

Govil has spent more than 20 years in operational roles with Marriott International across the region, most recently as Senior Vice President Operations/CLS, APEC. “Neeraj has an impeccable track record in delivering results and talent development,” said Marriott International President, APEC, Rajeev Menon.

“As SVP Operations/CLS, APEC, he was instrumental in developing talent, improving customer satisfaction scores, elevating F&B reputation and supporting new hotel openings.”

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