DEVELOPMENT
We are expecting strong growth. In fact, just recently we announced some new key luxury developments including a five-star Sofitel in Adelaide which is set to open next year and a new high-end luxury Fairmont in Port Douglas. There are more exciting developments in the pipeline, which we will be announcing soon.
Hilton
Nils-Arne Schroeder – Vice President, Luxury and Lifestyle, Asia Pacific
Hilton’s Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio – Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, LXR Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels and Resorts and Canopy by Hilton – currently make up 30 properties across Asia Pacific. We aim to continue to fill gaps in the hospitality industry with the right brands, in the right location, at the right time, and look forward to bringing unforgettable experiences to even more locations in the region. In Australasia, there is strong interest to bring these award-winning brands into markets such as Sydney and Melbourne. The appetite for our luxury brands in Asia Pacific remains very strong and we are delighted to be strengthening our presence in several key locations, as well as pioneering market entries in new destinations. This year, we have continued to sign hotels in key cities across the region, including our very first Asian LXR property in Kyoto, Japan, and will soon open Waldorf Astoria Xiamen in China. Our luxury brands have been focused on delivering unparalleled experiences that are authentic, personalised and inspiring. During this unique time, in addition to delivering exceptional hospitality to our discerning guests, Hilton rolled out Hilton CleanStay, an industrydefining standard of cleanliness and disinfection across our 18 brands globally, to provide our guests assurance and peace of mind. While we can’t predict long-term outcomes from this crisis, as a 100-year-old company with a resilient business model, powerful commercial engine and industry-leading luxury brands, we are confident we will continue to sustain our robust development momentum in Asia Pacific.
IHG
Abhijay Sandilya – VP Development – Australasia, Japan and Pacific
Although luxury travel has been severely impacted by the pandemic, we see a healthy future for the segment. More than ever, people need to treat themselves to unique and indulgent escapes – even if closer to home. In fact, the situation has potentially opened a target audience we may not have attracted before, including people with budgets for international trips who will now spend on high-end domestic breaks, or those who usually stay in short-term rentals but now want the service and peace of mind that only luxury hotels can offer. There are few priorities bigger for guests than confidence around cleanliness and safety, and this is where luxury hotels excel, especially with generously sized public areas and rooms where social distancing is easier to manage. IHG was already at the forefront here, but the pandemic has accelerated our thinking, including areas that are skewed towards luxury hotels. For example, we expanded in-room dining to include five-star experiences, introduced sensor-based technology around swimming pools and spas, and launched IHG Studio with contactless check-ins/ outs, streaming services and digital concierge. This put us at the forefront of the change that makes guests feel safe and valued. Australia continues to be an attractive safe haven investment destination and we are still seeing interest in luxury properties in the right locations. Now, more than ever, independent hotel owners want
“There are few priorities bigger for guests than confidence around cleanliness and safety.” Abhijay Sandilya, IHG
Hotels reimagined
The hotels and hospitality industry is going through extraordinary times. We understand that every hotel is unique, every deal is different and that the business of managing your assets requires long-term vision. Our hospitality industry experts can help you reimagine your hotel spaces, creating safe yet welcoming environments for your guests in the new normal. Talk to us: jll.com.au/hospitality
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