We built our reputation as an oWner and developer of city hotels . our dubai beach project shoWs We are really noW a hotel and resort company .
Global Update
Langham ’ s big ambition
Langham Hospitality Group , which recently announced plans to boost its portfolio from 22 hotels to 500 hotels in the next 10 years , isn ’ t aiming for the impossible , says Robert Warman , new CEO of the Hong Kong-based group .
“ It may sound bigger than it is ,” says Warman , who took the reins from Brett Butcher in March . “ But our parent company has invested in various strategic assets around the world . It has already established the needed infrastructure . It has full human resources services and technological assistance to support the growth . Those are often the most difficult pieces .”
Warman , the former president and CEO of Capella Hotel Group and 18-year veteran of The Ritz- Carlton Co ., says expansion will be powered predominantly by management deals in combination with opportunistic acquisitions . Growth will be significantly powered by a new brand targeting Chinese business travelers , the name of which will be revealed in the near term . What Warman could disclose at press time is that one of the group ’ s existing Hong Kong properties would be rebranded into this new offering . Last year marked a blizzard of growth for the group , particularly in North America , which now boasts new locations for its brands The Langham ( Chicago ), Langham Place ( New York ) and Eaton ( Toronto ). In China , Langham opened in Shenzhen , and Langham Place hotels planted flags in Guangzhou and Ningbo .
We built our reputation as an oWner and developer of city hotels . our dubai beach project shoWs We are really noW a hotel and resort company .
– RobeRt WaRman
Eight additional Langham hotels now under construction are strict management contracts , including the first Langham resort in Dubai .
With Langham Hospitality ’ s strong international presence , Warman is optimistic the company won ’ t be sidetracked from its expansion goals . “ By having properties around the world , we can still move in areas that are not affected by a recession , and having established different infrastructure centers helps us to operate ,” he says . “ We know there will always be economic ups and downs in certain markets , but the chance of stopping the growth of our brands at the same time is most unlikely .” collecting independents
Hilton Worldwide seems to know a good thing when it sees it . In June , the company launched Curio , an upscale soft brand collection that will court independent operators with an offer of sales and marketing services .
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta says he expects the brand to reach 300 hotels in five years with a primary focus on the United States and Europe .
The initial five properties are located in the United States , including the new 1,620-room SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip owned and operated by SBE . Nassetta has hinted more SLS properties are likely to join Curio .
12 HOTELS July / August 2014 www . hotelsmag . com