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Despite global economic woes, Accor Asia Pacific will continue to expand in 2009. Asia-Pacific’s largest hotel chain – 374 hotels in 16 countries – is committed to open more properties in all its markets, even those most affected by the crisis such as Thailand. "It is a challenging year all over the world for the tourism industry", says Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific, "but although Asia-Pacific is of course affected, there we still see potential for growth in the region."
The company is planning to open 80 new properties in 2009 and 2010 and last week announced deals in Thailand which will lead to 11 new properties. Accor signed an agreement with Thai real estate and textile company Fico to open three hotels in Bangkok (under Novotel and M-Gallery brands) and one in Samui (Mercure) by 2011. Seven other hotels (with Ibis, Novotel, All Seasons and Mercure brands) will open in Bangkok, Samui and Phuket. "Thailand continues to benefit from a positive image among travellers," says Issenberg. "Stability has returned to the country and the current economic downturn is no worse than in other competing destinations."
According to Issenberg, properties in Indonesia are the best-performing in Asia at present, due to a relatively sound economy and strong domestic and regional demand. Accor is Indonesia’s biggest chain with 40 properties, and it has plans to add another 13 hotels by 2010. Vietnam tourism is currently weak, says Issenberg. "The country has concentrated most of its marketing on the overseas segment, which is the most affected by the crisis." Nonetheless, Accor will open 10 hotels in Vietnam, with brands ranging from Sofitel to Ibis, and it plans to return to Cambodia this year, opening a Sofitel in Phnom Penh. In addition, Accor Asia Pacific is actively looking for more business opportunities in Malaysia and the Philippines which are both under-represented in Accor’s hotels portfolio, says Issenberg.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
