Six Continents Hotels to expand the number of Holiday Inn hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

Six Continents Hotels is gearing up to expand even further the number of Holiday Inn hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific over the next three years following strong performances from the brand, according to Six Continents Hotels Chief Operating Officer for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Phil Lee.

Celebrating its global 50th birthday in August, Holiday Inn has seen a rapid expansion in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, moving from five hotels in 2000 to twenty-one in 2002 - a major contributor to the 25% growth the Holiday Inn brand has seen across the Asia-Pacific region over the last two years.

"According to Holiday Inn's revenue generation index, hotels operating under the Holiday Inn brand in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific have generated 17% more revenue per available room than its direct competitors in the year to date to June 2002 - a 7% increase on year 2000 figures," Phil Lee said.

"This alone makes Holiday Inn one of the most successful brands in this region, despite the difficult environment this industry has been faced with over the last twelve months. The Holiday Inn brand is the mainstay of Six Continents Hotels' business and we have seen a huge explosion in the number of properties taking the brand on board in the Asia-Pacific region."

Six Continents Hotels' expansion plans for Holiday Inn in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific were reiterated following the brands' recent strong performance and growing interest from owners.

"Six Continents Hotels is building a strong strategic network throughout this region. We are currently looking to establish the Holiday Inn brand in locations that will represent the best placement for the brand and yield the highest return for our owners and stakeholders.

"We have already established a powerful network of Holiday Inn hotels in Sydney and Melbourne and will be looking to replicate this throughout other major traffic areas and regional centres in Australia and New Zealand. Portfolio additions such as Holiday Inn Darling Harbour and Holiday Inn Rooty Hill are the most recent example of this process," Mr Lee said.

As one of the world's most established hotel brands, Holiday Inn's appeal to both domestic and international travelers has made it an attractive proposition for owners throughout the region. It's phenomenal growth in developing centres throughout Asia such as China has also had a significant effect in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, with an increasing number of international travelers from Asia choosing to stay with Holiday Inn instead of less established brands.

"Every year, 85 million guests stay at the 1600 Holiday Inn hotels around the world. Not only have domestic travelers embraced the brand since its introduction to the region, but we have been able to capitalise on its position as the world's most recognised hotel brand and maintain a strong share of international travelers as well - a huge achievement in such a short time.

"Six Continents Hotels is intent on establishing itself as the leading operator in this region in terms of placement of hotels, levels of service and market share within our competitive sets - a goal that is definitely within our grasp with Holiday Inn," Mr Lee said.