Brands to watch in 2011
12 January 2011
With high growth predictions for the anticipated number of travellers – both domestic and international - in the Asia Pacific region, it is no surprise that hotel companies are looking at new ways to identify with customers and launching new brands or revitalizing old ones.
In no particular order, HMA looks at some of the brands likely to be in the spotlight this year.
Tune Hotels.com
Founded by Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes, limited service brand Tune Hotels is on a massive expansion drive at present with plans to develop 100 hotels across Asia by 2013. The hotels, which will be branded under Tune Hotels.com, will be located mainly in Thailand but also in China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Tune Hotels CEO Mark Lankester told HMA in an interview last year.
Ginger Hotel
Budget hotel chain Ginger Hotels is looking to rapidly expand its presence in India. Last year, the Tata Group-owned firm revealed it planned to develop 50 new Ginger hotels in India in the next four years to take advantage of the anticipated rise in domestic travel.
Nuo
Luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels revealed last year it is gearing up to launch a new China-specific brand. Called Nuo, the company is targeting up to 50 hotels under the brand within the next 10-15 years, Kempinski China president Rene Schmitt told HMA. Shanghai, Bejing and Tianjin are likely to be the first locations for properties.
Luxury Collection
Global hospitality group Starwood Hotels and Resorts last year launched its Luxury Collection in China, with first properties in Tianjin and Sanya.
Sheraton
Following its recent revitalization of its upscale Sheraton brand, Starwood Hotels & Resorts has an aggressive expansion plan for the Sheraton brand in Asia, particularly China. It plans to open 28 new properties in China over the next three years, bringing its total number of hotels in the country to 50.
Ibis
European hotel operator Accor is fast-tracking expansion of its economy brand ibis in Asia. Its strategy for the brand includes the development of a China-specific franchise model for the brand. Accor currently has 77 ibis hotels in operation in Asia Pacific with a further 50 committed to development.
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