President & CEO of The Rezidor Hotel Group KURT RITTER has celebrated 30 years with the hotel, which has become one of the fastest growing worldwide. He spoke to CHERYL MANDY recently
Tell us more about Park Inn. Why does it suit the ME market?
Park Inn is Rezidor’s mid-market brand; it is a very young, dynamic and innovative brand. We have more than 125 properties in operation and under development across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Park Inn focuses on the essentials – guests will enjoy a warm atmosphere, a stress less stay, comfortable and spotlessly clean rooms, and of course our unique service philosophy “Yes, I Can!”
The Middle East is not only a market dedicated to luxury – we also see huge potential for a mid market brand across the region. Park Inn’s dynamic and energy fit very well with the dynamic and energy of the Middle East.
Why launch during a downturn?
Our business development planning is done with a long term view. When planning these launchings, we did not yet know about the crisis. We therefore do not see a direct connection there. But of course it is an important sign to stick to an opening date even in tough times. This clearly underlines the importance the Middle East has for Rezidor, and also the importance Park Inn has for Rezidor.
What are the future plans for developing the brand in the region?
We have the following hotels already under development: Park Inn Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (204 rooms, opening at the end of 2009), Park Inn Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (259 rooms, opening in Q2 2010), Park Inn Makkah, (204 rooms, opening in Q2 2011).
Tell us about the Missoni brand.
Hotel Missoni is a completely new kind of lifestyle hotel. It combines the style of the Italian fashion house Missoni with the experience of an international hotel operator. Hotel Missoni targets a sophisticated clientele – people who love contemporary design, who have travelled a lot and know what they want, and who are looking for a hotel as a place to live, not only to stay. The unique decor has been developed by Rosita Missoni herself.
The Hotel Missoni Kuwait is scheduled to open at the end of 2009. It will be our second Hotel Missoni in operation – the first Hotel Missoni will open this month in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Where else in the region will the Missoni brand be appearing?
Rezidor already has a further Hotel Missoni under development: The Hotel Missoni Jebel Sifah (Oman) featuring 250 rooms and 50 apartments is scheduled to open in early 2012.
What green initiatives have you installed in among brands?
Since 1991, Rezidor has a company wide ‘responsible business programme’ which is based on three pillars: Health & safety for employees and guests, social & ethical issues within the company, and a reduced negative impact on the environment. Each of our hotels is active on the field with responsible business and organises very special activities. Rezidor has also signed the UN Global Compact which was a further important step.
What does the re-branded Radisson Blu mean to the existing Radisson SAS hotel in the region?
We are purely talking about a name change here, not about a change of the product itself. The development from Radisson SAS to Radisson Blu is a natural evolution, not a revolution. Since we are (since our IPO in late 2006) no longer part of the SAS group, we of course had to find a new name for our hotels. “Blu” developed from the little blue box and is a name with a twist, it is kind of non-language and non-gender, and it has the Z-factor Rezidor is known for.
When will the transition from SAS to Blu be completed?
At the moment, we are looking at a completion of the full project by the end of 2009.
Which are the latest developments for Regent in the Middle East?
There are two exciting hotels under development: The Regent Doha (365 rooms) and The Regent Emirates Pearl Abu Dhabi (431 rooms) which are both scheduled to open in Q3 2012.