Major changes for hotel chain

For Immediate Release
2 December, 2013

Major changes for hotel chain

Five sites previously operating as part of the Mercure Hotel chain in New Zealand have taken on a new name, new brand and new management company, after moving under the umbrella of international hotel management company, StayWell Hospitality Group (StayWell) yesterday [sub: 1 December].

As part of the transition, the five New Zealand-based hotels in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton and Dunedin have taken on the international brand names of Park Regis (Auckland, Picton and Dunedin) and Leisure Inn (Rotorua and Wellington), and have retained local management and staff.

The properties are all owned by Auckland-based CP Group and were previously managed by Accor under the Mercure brand.

StayWell Group CEO and Managing Director, Simon Wan, has been in New Zealand for the past week to assist with the transition, and says he is excited about the company’s expansion into New Zealand, as well as the potential offered by the five properties.

“We have been exploring expansion into New Zealand since 2009, but it has taken four years to find the right properties and partnership.

“Our focus is on mid-sized, boutique hotels in strategic locations and our goal is to not only improve the performance of each site, but also to make a growing contribution to the wider tourism sector in each region and New Zealand.

“Each of the five New Zealand properties has significant opportunities and challenges, and we will be working with the local managers and staff to take our hotel experience from comfortable, to exceptional, over the next 12 months.”

Mr. Wan says an extensive refurbishment programme, which will cost in excess of NZ $2 million, will be undertaken at each of the five properties, while considerable investment will also be made in staff training and development over the next six to 12 months.

He says New Zealand specialists are being contracted to support the refurbishment programme, including the appointment of a local interior designer to ensure that the each site fits the StayWell brand, but reflects a unique “kiwi” look and feel.

New technology options will also be explored for each site, including the potential introduction of free Wi-Fi, and mobility initiatives utilising the likes of tablets to create greater efficiencies for check-in and out.

“We have a lot of work to do in order to bring the properties up to international expectations and the StayWell standard, as well as securing the trust and confidence of our customers, owners and the wider tourism sector.

“Taking over the management of five properties at once is a significant entry into the New Zealand market, and it is a move that demonstrates the confidence we have in the recovery and strength of the domestic and international tourism sector. We intend to gain a significant foothold and quality reputation in the New Zealand market.”

Mr. Wan says the management transition has been completed in a very short period of time, which is a credit to the New Zealand-based team, as well as the local managers at each site.

“While visitors and locals will notice a new logo and signage, the commitment to offering a unique, high quality New Zealand accommodation experience has not changed and we are focused on improving this experience further over the coming months.”

Mr. Wan says the group will focus on consolidating its initial New Zealand operations, before looking at expansion into other key strategic tourism locations such as Queenstown, Christchurch and Nelson.

The StayWell Hospitality Group was established in 2006 and now manages 33 properties internationally, including sites in Australia, China, Singapore, Indonesia, the Middle East, India and the United Kingdom. The company’s head office is in Sydney and it has also established a regional office in Auckland to support its New Zealand expansion.

-ends-

About StayWell Hospitality Group

Based in Sydney Australia, StayWell Hospitality Group, operates two high profile hotel brands – Park Regis and Leisure Inn. StayWell has a growing international hotel network now numbering 33 properties across Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, the United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates. Its 14 Australian properties are located in Sydney (4), the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Melbourne (2), Brisbane, Cairns (2), Townsville, Hobart, and Launceston.

The company is privately owned by three stakeholders – Simon Wan (CEO and Managing Director), Richard Doyle (Executive Director and Corporate Counsel), and Bal Sohal (Non-Executive Director). StayWell has a defined strategy to grow its portfolio within three years to a network of more than 100 hotels across Australia, South East Asia, India, China and Europe.

© Scoop Media