325 update aman looks up for expansion
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325 update aman looks up for expansion
Contributed by Raini Hamdi
Aman Resorts is leaning toward building vertical hotels in cities rather than the sprawling resorts that have characterized much of its expansion in the past . As the brand turns 30 next year , under ownership led by Russian investor Vladislav Doronin , it is seeking a presence in urban outposts such as New York , London , Paris , Hong Kong , Shanghai , Singapore and São Paolo . Chief Operating Officer Roland Fasel says that the opening of Aman Tokyo in 2014 “ set a clear path for the future .”
“ When it comes to our vertical Amans , what matters most is being able to translate all that Aman is known for — space , privacy , supreme levels of service , design — into an urban environment ,” Fasel says . “ We do not specifically target business clientele , but especially with our urban property , ensure that our corporate guests are well looked after .”
Fasel adds that Aman is in talks with partners for management agreements but is also prepared to acquire a property , either fully or in a partnership .
Since its tumultuous takeover more than two years ago , Aman has become more institutionalized . Fasel is its first COO ; also added are head of global
sales and distribution , Christina Deeny , and Chief Marketing Officer Jane Mackie . “ We implemented a new global sales structure — something we never had in place previously ,” Fasel says .
Aman ’ s 21 regional sales offices focus on key markets from the U . S . West Coast to Scandinavia , northern India and beyond . Fasel says Aman has improved its online booking engine , optimized UX and SEO , and is driving users to its site – all of which are increasing reservations .
Other appointments include a group director of spa , Nichola Roche , early this year , to drive Aman Wellness , aimed at individual wellness and group retreats . A new culinary concept , Nama , launched at four Aman destinations , and a Mediterranean F & B concept is down the road .
Asked what he considers the biggest challenge facing small luxury boutique chains , Fasel says , “ There is a fine line between guarding a brand ’ s core values and achieving commercial success … Our unique mix encompassing a deep knowledge of the hospitality industry , luxury service and with our chairman ’ s track record of success in business , positions us in a different league .”
These updates correct HOTELS ' 325 list of the largest global hotel companies , published in the July / August issue :
China ’ s Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotel Group Co .’ s listing should have included Vienna Hotels Group ( ranked 20th ), which it acquired in 2016 . Jin Jiang still would have been ranked 5th , but with 675,884 guest rooms and 6,441 hotels .
At the end of 2016 , Gloria Hotels & Resorts , Beijing , had 10,895 rooms and 52 hotels , which would have ranked it 117th .
South Korea ’ s Lotte Hotels & Resorts ended 2016 with 8,147 guest rooms and 22 hotels , which would have ranked it 153rd .
India ’ s ITC Hotels , ranked 137th , had 104 hotels at the end of 2016 .
Japan ’ s Kokusai Kogyo Hotel Group , ranked 203rd , had 19 hotels at the end of 2016 .
14 hotelsmag . com October 2017