ACCOR AND CENTURY CO-OPERATION BEGINS NOVEMBER 1

New Novotels in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen, Ibis debuts in North Asia

Accor and Century International Hotels are intensifying their co-operation on November 1 with the launch of five hotels in the key Asian cities of Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen.

This important milestone follows the joint venture agreement signed between Accor and Century earlier this year. Three co-branded hotels will include the 516-room Novotel Century Hong Kong (formerly Century Hong Kong Hotel), the 418-room Novotel Century Kuala Lumpur (formerly Century Kuala Lumpur Hotel), the 276-room Novotel Century Harbourview (formerly Century Harbour Hotel) and the re-branding of the 152-room Novotel Watergate Shenzhen (formerly Watergate Century Hotel Shenzhen).

It will also herald the introduction of Accor’s value-for-money Ibis brand in north Asia with the rebranding of the 210-room Ibis North Point (formerly Century Inn North Point). Ibis is one of the world’s most popular three-star brands — with over 350 hotels globally —including eight in Indonesia, the first country in Asia to develop the brand.

Century’s Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mark Simmons, said the sales and marketing co-operation between the two companies had been excellent and would provide significant support for the ongoing effort.

“I know the partnership will continue to be mutually beneficial as it accentuates the regional and global strengths of both Accor and Century, while expanding international sales, marketing and reservations networks.”

Accor’s Vice President Sales and Marketing — Asia, Rob Hornman, said the introduction of the Novotel Century co-brand into two key Asian gateways, in addition to the Novotel Shenzhen, will complement Accor’s current portfolio of Novotel properties around the region.

“Both Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur have been priority markets for Accor,” Mr Hornman said. “We believe the new Novotel Century hotels will fill an important niche, especially for intra-regional travellers familiar with the brands of both companies.

“The Shenzhen property will help raise brand awareness in China and increase cross-selling opportunities within our Novotel network around Asia.”

He also predicted the Ibis North Point would play an important role in developing the economy brand in north Asia.

“We are delighted to introduce Ibis to Hong Kong. The brand has a strong track record around the world and the potential for international brands in north Asia’s budget accommodation market is tremendous,” Mr Hornman added.

The move marks the beginning of a new sales and marketing agreement between the two companies, with the launch of the five properties on Accor’s high-powered global distribution system, AccorRes.

According to Mr Hornman the five hotels will migrate to AccorRes on the rebranding date, with the possibility of further Century properties joining the Accor network in the months to come.

He said ongoing marketing efforts would provide considerable support for the Novotel Century co-branding. These include Accor’s accommodation and membership dining programme AdvantagePlus, and frequent flier programmes such as Thai Airways International’s Royal Orchid Plus, Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles, Air France’s Frequence Plus and Qantas.

A new corporate identity and logo has also been carefully developed by both companies and will be rolled out to bolster the three co-branded hotels.