Leading Hotels Looks to the Future with New Licensing Agreement Program
Global leader in luxury hospitality gives inside track to high-end hotels in development
NEW YORK, NY, January 11, 2007. In 2006 alone, over 600 hotels applied for membership in The Leading Hotels of the World - ultimately only 42 were accepted.
Demand and competition for admission to this admittedly very exclusive organization set records year after year. And management of Leading Hotels has recognized an opportunity to help potential members in the development stage to get a leg up on the competition. By entering into a licensing agreement with the company, new hotel projects are afforded numerous distinct advantages, from inception to completion.
The importance of a pre-opening brand affiliation is vital in the areas of securing funding and financing for the project, as well as the pre-opening marketing. With a licensing agreement in place from the onset of a project, the hotel establishes an invaluable relationship which yields immediate benefits as well as long-term advantages. In a sense, Leading Hotels becomes a mentor and a strategic partner.
Under the terms of the agreement, for example, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. will provide technical assistance during the development stages, beginning as early as three years prior to opening, to ensure the final product is in total compliance with the stringent quality standards necessary for acceptance as a member.
During the 12-month pre-opening phase, in addition to benefiting from identification with a global luxury brand that boasts a 78-year history of excellence, the new hotel is provided with a full array of marketing services. It can profit from such powerful business drivers and support services as GDS advertising; representation in the annual Leading Hotels Directory and on the lhw.com website; participation in road shows, showcases and conferences; and access to the Leading Hotels client database. Leading Hotels also provides the hotel with voice, Internet and GDS reservations services during the year-long pre-opening period.
In the quest for success, The Leading Hotels of the World can provide the aspiring member hotel additional services such as staff training and development to assist in achieving service levels compatible with the Leading Hotels benchmark standards.
Commenting on this new initiative, Welf Ebeling, executive vice president and COO for The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., noted, "This unique proposition enables owners and developers to establish and maintain the individuality of their properties, affording them the freedom to operate their hotels without the constraints inherent when taking on a 'flag' brand.
"The Leading Hotels brand provides the power to drive business, increasing the value of the properties under development. By seeking out strategic partnerships with the owners and operators, we offer exceptional opportunities to maximize growth."
In conclusion, he said, "This innovative business model, focused on optimal ROI and flexibility, offers the ideal solution for the prospective hotel owner and investor to successfully develop the coming generations of Leading Hotels."
For more information on licensing opportunities, contact Deniz Omurgonulsen, Director, Membership Development at [email protected] or 212 515 5857.
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 430 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of www.lhw.com - the online source for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 24 major markets across the globe.
Since 1928, the company's reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering 1,500 separate criteria.
High resolution images of member hotels are available for downloading at www.lhw.com/press. For reservations and information, visit www.lhw.com or telephone toll-free from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, (800) 223-6800.
Press Contact: Claudia Kozma Kaplan
Tel: (212) 515-5708
E-mail: [email protected]
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