Media release for immediate use: Wednesday 16 May 2007

Monaco Hotel and Resort General Manager becomes shareholder

The significant growth of Nelson’s tourism industry in recent years has led to General Manager Clare Davies becoming a 50 per cent owner of Monaco Hotel and Resort following an offer from shareholder Scott Sanders.

With Monaco’s accelerated expansion phase now underway, which includes a swimming pool, a gym, a mini-golf course, 32 new cottages and a new conference and events centre, Clare Davies says it was an easy decision to take a stake in the business.

“With these plans moving forward due to increased demand from investors, I can see no better time to buy into the company – I have complete faith in where Monaco is heading,” she says.

“These new developments allow members of the public to buy their own part of Monaco’s Village. Owners have the option of buying and using cottages themselves, or generating a return by renting them out privately by having them fully managed.”

The additions will complement the handcrafted resort village, which already has a hotel and fully furnished one and two bedroom cottages overlooking colourful cottage gardens and a grassy village green.

Clare Davies has been in the hospitality industry since she was a child and says the move to becoming a shareholder at Monaco Hotel and Resort is a natural progression in her career.

“I’ve been involved in hospitality all my life. My parents owned various restaurants and motels as I was growing up, so I guess it’s always been in my blood,” she says.

Prior to working for Monaco Hotel and Resort, Clare also worked for a management company; and before that owned her own restaurant business, based in Maupa, and has worked in Ireland at Longfields Hotel.

Monaco Resort and Hotel Partner Scott Sanders says Clare is the perfect fit for the company.

“I love Clare’s passion for the business, the way she leads her team and the respect she offers our clients and workmates,” he says.

“She is very professional but friendly in her dealings with potential agents, any guests and any conference or wedding enquiries to Monaco. She ensures expected service levels are exceeded.”

Clare will stay on as General Manager of Monaco Hotel and Resort.

ENDS