ASIA / PACIFIC INBOUND
ASIA / PACIFIC INBOUND TRENDING HOTELS ACCORHOTELS AND AMBASSADOR GROUP BUILD ON PARTNERSHIP IN KOREA Vincent Lelay, Vice President Operations at AccorHotels Korea, says business is expanding very fast in the luxury to upscale hotel categories Accor Ambassador Korea Hotel Management Co., Ltd, established in 2006, is a joint venture built in partnership between the AccorHotels and the Ambassador Group. Vincent Lelay, is Vice President Operations at AccorHotels Korea. We asked him to tell us more about the partnership… We offer propitious partnerships by integrating hotel owners’ needs, market analysis, and regional expertise through management, franchise or lease contract. Accor Ambassador Korea, which is a joint venture company, represents both hotel groups in Korea. Ambassador Group has grown into becoming the leading local hotel group and has the most extensive knowledge on the local market. With AccorHotels’ global network, extensive brand portfolio, strong sales distribution platform and management know-how, we have the best partnership to operate successfully in South Korea. Together, we will maintain our leading position in the hotel industry and further develop hotels especially in the luxury and upscale hotel categories. What does the portfolio consist of? The company currently operates 24 hotels in six cities (Seoul, Suwon, Incheon, Daegu, Changwon, and Busan). Our portfolio of brands encompasses from luxury to economy, including currently Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel Suites, Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, ibis, and ibis Budget. Accor Ambassador Korea is the largest hotel operator in Korea with more than 7,000 rooms, 2,000 employees and is also the only international hotel operator with a regional operational headquarters located in Seoul. How could you best describe your current offering in this market? Currently, we have a very strong positioning in the market specifically within midscale to economy hotel categories. We were the first international hotel brand to pioneer the economy hotel sector and to successfully become the leading hotel economy brand with ibis family brands. Novotel also has a strong presence in Korea with two new flagships recently opened in Seoul. We are also now expanding very fast in luxury to upscale hotel categories with the opening of our most recent project, Seoul Dragon City. This magnificent “hotel-plex” opened its door in October 2017, with 1,700 rooms and four distinct AccorHotels brands. What is your roadmap – especially for luxury properties — in this region? This July, we are opening the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun (523 rooms), our first Novotel mixing hotel and residence hospitality. With an exclusive rooftop outdoor and indoor pool and stateof-the-art bar, we will again showcase an attractive product for our guests. Fairmont hotel, which will be located in Yeouido, Seoul will open mid 2020. Although we cannot disclose much more at this point, we have many more exciting projects in the pipeline for luxury hotel properties Vincent Lelay Vice President Operations, AccorHotels Korea OUR PORTFOLIO OF BRANDS ENCOMPASSES FROM LUXURY TO ECONOMY SMARTreport Commercial Content
Hotel & Tourism SMARTreport #39 2018 Summer Edition 45 NOVOTEL AMBASSADOR SEOUL GANGNAM OPTIMISTIC OVER FUTURE GROWTH The flagship Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam holds a venerable record, having maintained a 90% occupancy rate for 10 years. The property has established a reputation as an upscale business hotel in Seoul with modern and comfortable interior, attentive service and comfort. Located in the heart of Gangnam district, the recently refurnished Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam is equipped with 332 guestrooms with a modern and comfortable interior design, and exclusive VIP and superior floors. With 80% of visitors coming from overseas, and 20% from aroud Korea, the flagship property caters for both business and leisure trips. HOTEL FACILITIES & SERVICE The hotel has nine meeting rooms, all of which are equipped with advanced AV and lighting system with capacities ranging from 10 to 500 guests that are suitable for all kinds of events including seminars, conferences, receptions and weddings. Wired and wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel while the business centre located in the lobby offers the most convenient services for business clients. Furthermore, the ‘Inbalance by Novotel’ fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, golf range, weight room and aerobics room. The hotel offers 24-hour room service and high-class dining and entertainment services at five restaurants and bar including the international buffet restaurant “the SQUARE”, contemporary Korean dining “Entree”, the Japanese restaurant “SHUNMI”, live music bar “Gran A” and the Lobby Lounge. CONVENIENT LOCATION Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam boasts a convenient location offering easy access to the Trade Center Coex, major expressways, and subway stations. The airport limousine bus running between the hotel and Incheon international airport departs from the hotel’s front door every 20 minutes, which provides an optimal setting for business travellers. The hotel is also near to Gangnam station and Garosugil, offering enjoyable dynamic night life and fancy shopping. Based on the extensive experience and spirit of service found at AccorHotels around the world, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam provides warm and attentive service, resulting in a happy and comfortable guest experience. Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangam was recently named one of the “Top 20 luxury hotels in South Korea” by TripAdvisor SMARTreport Commercial Content
