Lobby at the Vienna House by Wyndham Andels ’ s Berlin .
and midscale portfolio of approximately 40 hotels and more than 6,000 rooms to Wyndham ’ s EMEA portfolio . Vienna House , now Wyndham ’ s 23rd brand , caters to a wide demographic of business and leisure travelers with a portfolio of assets under both Vienna House and Vienna House Easy brands located in destinations across Europe , including Berlin , Munich , Prague , Krakow , Bucharest and more . It also has Vienna House Townhouse in the extended-stay space .
Manikis said the initial focus is on integrating the brand into the Wyndham system predominantly under the Vienna House by Wyndham moniker . “ While we are in continuous talks on developing the brand , during this initial phase we will select very carefully how we go about expanding it ,” he added . “ We need to pay particular attention to its DNA , positioning and its brand standards . We want to ensure guests will continue to experience that same Viennese-German hospitality as we bring Vienna House by Wyndham to more locations . Essentially , we want to grow without compromising any of its elements .”
The plan is for both Wyndham and the HR Group to develop the brand independently , and for Wyndham to take advantage of its franchise prowess to expand the brand under a direct franchise relationship with existing and new owners and business partners across the EMEA division . HR Group can trade on its reputation , as well , as it already has more than 145 hotels in more than 100 cities and 10 countries with some 20 projects signed and under construction .
Manikis added that while there were no confirmed plans in mid-October , Wyndham ’ s ambition is to double the size of the brand portfolio in the next five years , predominantly in Germany , Austria and Poland , but looking further afield in destinations like Turkey and Greece as possibilities . “ Our initial goal is to add five to 10 new hotels to the Vienna House by Wyndham portfolio in the first year ,” he said . “ Again , Wyndham will develop the brand , without compromising and keeping the brand DNA intact .”
HEADWINDS OR TAILWINDS ? When asked how macroeconomic conditions might impact development , Manikis referred to the hospitality sector ’ s demonstrated resilience over the past two years and how it has shown really strong recovery as soon as people were able to
travel again . “ While there are reasons to be cautious due to the broader macro-economic climate , we remain optimistic about the performance of the hospitality sector , and confident in the continued resiliency of our franchise model ,” he added .
In Europe , Manikis said Wyndham is seeing sustained consumer confidence when it comes to travel . “ In fact , our booking rates through summer and early fall for 4Q22 and into early 2023 have been stronger than last year ,” he added . “ Our hotels in Europe largely receive domestic and intra-European leisure travel demand – which continues to lead bookings in the region .”
OUR FORECAST IS FOR THE BRAND TO CONTINUE TO PERFORM AND OVER EXCEED EXPECTATIONS AS IT CURRENTLY DOES IN MANY DESTINATIONS AND DO THE SAME IN MORE CITIES WHERE WE WILL LOOK TO EXPAND .
- DIMITRIS MANIKIS
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