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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hotel leaders talk value — and challenges — of proliferating brands
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. At the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City this week, the names of hotel brands were everywhere — but they weren't instantly recognizable to everyone at the event. 'It seems like everybody's launching a new hotel brand every day, and this is, I think, not going to work,' said Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Europe's Kempinski Group, onstage during a panel on examining the value of brands. 'If I'm confused and I'm actually paid to understand the market, imagine a consumer.' Both Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels, for instance, launched new brands just last month. While further hotel brand introductions might seem like overkill to some, hotel executives speaking at the event agreed that brands, when operated well, drive significant value — even if their brand strategies are as diverse as the brands themselves. Over two panels — one a CEO roundtable and the other a conversation about brand acquisitions — hotel leaders shared strategies and predictions for the role brands play in the future of hospitality. The following are top takeaways from the experts, who discussed recent mergers, guest loyalty, expansion plans and more. According to Margaritaville CEO John Cohlan, 'the core role of brands is to deliver on the emotional expectation that people have about an experience.' That comes with work, though — and perhaps even more work for successful brands, he noted. 'The good news is you have a brand that resonates with people. The bad news is you have a brand that resonates with people, because people have an expectation. The hardest part is to continue to meet that expectation,' Cohlan said in a CEO roundtable Tuesday morning dubbed 'CEOs in Conversation: Examining the value of brands in the success of a hospitality property.' Meeting that expectation drives more than guest satisfaction, however; it deepens guest loyalty, ultimately contributing to the bottom line, according to Greg Juceam, president and CEO of Extended Stay America. 'Strong brands have OTA contributions in the mid teens [percentages], because the brand drives the business,' Juceam added. And those loyal guests not only stay more often, but they also 'stay longer and they spend a lot more money,' according to John Murray, president and CEO of Sonesta Hotels. 'A loyalty program is about data,' said Larry Cuculic, president and CEO of BWH Hotels. 'It's about having the information about your consumer so that you can personalize travel in the future, so you can market to them wisely, so you know where they stay, historically, and you can contact them.' 'The whole idea of a brand is that people want to come and engage with you directly,' said Cohlan, pointing to the fact that strong loyalty can be a way to sidestep OTAs. That loyalty, though, is harder to attract without firm, thoughtful brand standards. 'It's about making sure that we've tested everything that we put in [to the brand],' Juceam said. 'It's about making sure that brand standards are really creating value.' Kempinski Group's Muckermann also emphasized the importance of deeply considering a brand's standards and identity. 'You need to know what you stand for, otherwise you're not the brand,' she said. 'And particularly when we look at the luxury end of the spectrum, it is really the brand that will make the difference between the functional benefits and the emotional benefits [of a hotel stay]. And at the end of the day, that will increase the [customer's] willingness to pay because it increases the [brand's] differentiation.' Deeply considering these standards essentially makes a return on investment case, she added, justifying 'the hundreds of millions of dollars that you need every year to be able to have your brand out there as one of the leading brands.' In a Monday afternoon panel — 'Transacting brands: Unpacking the dynamics behind the sale and integration of hotel brands' — Amar Lalvani spoke about why Standard International welcomed its multimillion-dollar acquisition by Hyatt Hotels last year. Now president and creative director of Hyatt's Lifestyle Group, Lalvani said, '[The Standard] started opening in places like Bangkok and Melbourne and the U.K. and Maldives. We built beautiful hotels, but you need the engine to make them really successful.' As the brand scaled, 'I would say we outgrew our infrastructure.' Lalvani and Hyatt agreed that the team behind The Standard's brand should stay on — hence the newly created Lifestyle Group. 'My request was that we keep our whole team together, which we did,' he said. When asked if it would have been a dealbreaker if Hyatt had insisted on taking over the brand entirely, Lalvani said yes. Hyatt's Lifestyle Group opened its inaugural property, Andaz Miami Beach, in Florida last month. Mike Hollman, Hilton's senior vice president, treasurer and head of strategic finance, pointed to a similar strategy at play when his company acquired the Graduate Hotels brand for $210 million last year. 'As part of the transaction, a number of the [previous Graduate Hotels owner] AJ Capital and Graduate leadership came over,' Hollman said. Former Graduate Hotels President Kevin Osterhaus joined Hilton as president of global lifestyle brands, where he's now tasked with overseeing the company's ambitious plans for growth in the segment. 'It's a collaborative effort. One beauty of having that expertise join Hilton is understanding the history, the learnings and what they originally created,' Hollman added. 'And how do you bring that into our ecosystem and keep it unique, keep it special, but also allow it to grow?' Hollman noted that Hilton is actively looking at bringing the Graduate brand to other markets. Meanwhile, G6 Hospitality Chairperson Ritesh Agarwal, the founder of India's OYO Rooms, shared plans for the company's brands. OYO completed its $525 million acquisition of G6 Hospitality — the owner of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands — in December. 'We will keep these as three different brands, between OYO, Motel 6 and Studio 6, with different propositions,' he shared. The extended stay Studio 6 brand, in particular, 'is going to be a big focus of growth.' Meanwhile, OYO will take a soft brand approach, allowing smaller, 50- to 100-key properties to join its platform. That platform is currently undergoing improvements, with Agarwal noting that OYO is 'doubling down' on the brands' websites. Recently, the company launched a new mobile app. 'We believe in today's world, there is no business which is not a technology business,' Agarwal said. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kempinski and BTG Hotels strengthen partnership with new investment
European hospitality company Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels are extending their long-standing partnership to drive luxury hospitality in China. The strategic move, which includes a multi-year investment plan, is set to strengthen Kempinski's market positioning. Kempinski Group CEO Barbara Muckermann said: "Kempinski and BTG enjoy a strong partnership and rich history together, as pioneers in luxury hospitality in China. We are very fortunate to have BTG Hotels, the third largest hotel group in the country, as our partner. 'Our collaboration offers us a unique advantage to continue aggressively expanding in the region. I look forward to the next phase of the collaboration to reinforce our position into the future." The investment plan will concentrate on four pivotal areas, including expanding the Chinese heritage portfolio under the Kempinski brand, launching a new lifestyle hospitality brand with a target of 200 hotels in China over the next five years, supporting the growth of the Bristoria brand portfolio while bolstering collaboration for the global expansion of the NUO brand. Furthermore, Kempinski Group's investment plan aims to integrate membership systems to reinforce cooperation. The existing partnership between Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels has played a role in China's luxury hospitality sector for over three decades. Kempinski's foray into China began in 1992 with the opening of the country's first five-star luxury hotel, the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center. The success of this venture led to the formation of Key Co., a joint venture (JV) between Kempinski and BTG Hotels in 2001, to manage hotels across China. In 2018, the companies extended their JV for an additional 50 years. The partnership currently operates 22 hotels in the country. Kempinski Hotels chief product officer Rasha Lababidi said: "Given China's strategic importance in our strategy, this new lifestyle brand will just reinforce our long-term commitment to the local market and will help further expand our footprint in the region. "Domestic travellers will benefit from the best of both worlds, Kempinski hospitality and service expertise on one hand, distinct products and experiences specially designed for them on the other hand. Together with BTG Hotels, I look forward to bringing this new brand to life." In addition to the partnership's initiatives in China, Kempinski Hotels revealed plans to manage the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence in Munich, Germany, earlier this year. "Kempinski and BTG Hotels strengthen partnership with new investment" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kempinski Hotels Extends Strategic Partnership with BTG Hotels to Grow Luxury Hospitality Offering in China
GENEVA, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on over 30 years of partnership in the luxury industry in China, Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels (Group) Co., Ltd. (BTG Hotels) are pleased to announce a new chapter in their strategic partnership in China. Kempinski Group has started executing a strategic plan aimed at reclaiming and strengthening the market leadership the oldest European hospitality company has enjoyed for over 150 years. Kempinski Group launches a multi-year investment plan to support the growth of the very successful partnership with BTG Hotels. The plan will focus on four key pillars: Expand the Chinese Heritage Portfolio for the Kempinski brand, enlarging the offering for sophisticated Chinese travellers discovering China and offering authentic Chinese heritage experiences for the international travellers discovering this beautiful country. Launch a new lifestyle hospitality brand to reach 200 hotels in China over the next five years. Leveraging the strength of BTG Hotels, the continuous growth of the Chinese market and Kempinski's expertise in crafting unique experiences, this new brand will enlarge the choice for Chinese customers in China. Continue to strategically support the Bristoria brand portfolio and strengthen the collaboration to expand the global expansion of the NUO brand and establish it as a benchmark in luxury cultural hospitality worldwide. Reinforce the cooperation on membership system integration. This commitment underscores their mutual ambition to lead the way in hospitality and meet the evolving needs of the Chinese market. "BTG and Kempinski have achieved tremendous success during the past two decades. China's role on the travel and tourism stage has undergone a major shift in the last quarter century, and Kempinski has been a part of that journey since day one," said Madame Li, Chairlady, BTG Hotels (Group) Co., Ltd., "We look forward to further strengthening the long-term strategy in the region, leveraging the hospitality expertise of Kempinski, and together, continuing to be a driving force in the development of China's hospitality landscape." Commenting on the partnership extension, Barbara Muckermann, Chief Executive Officer, Kempinski Group, says: "Kempinski and BTG enjoy a strong partnership and rich history together, as pioneers in luxury hospitality in China. We are very fortunate to have BTG Hotels, the third largest hotel group in the country, as our partner. Our collaboration offers us a unique advantage to continue aggressively expanding in the region. I look forward to the next phase of the collaboration to reinforce our position into the future." Kempinski originally expanded into China in 1992 with the country's first-ever five-star luxury hotel, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center, formerly known as Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center. Following early successes in China, Kempinski and BTG created Key Co. in 2001, a joint venture established to operate hotels throughout China, leveraging the hospitality expertise of Kempinski, as the oldest independent luxury hotel company in Europe, and BTG Hotels' reputation as the most prestigious travel and tourism company in China. In 2018, Kempinski and its long-term Chinese partner mutually agreed to prematurely review the joint venture for another 50 years as a sign of confidence from both parties in the partnership and the enduring potential of this market. Today, the joint venture is one of the largest international luxury brand operators in China, operating 22 hotels. "We are thrilled to cement our partnership with Kempinski," says Rick Huo, Chairman of Key Co. and NUO International Hotels Mgmt. Co., Ltd., "This is a significant step in expanding our portfolio and strengthening our brand offering in China and beyond. This renewed collaboration not only demonstrates the shared commitment of both Kempinski and BTG Hotels, but also paves the way for increased market share, ensuring that our joint venture continues to set new benchmarks in the industry." As part of the renewed partnership, Kempinski and BTG Hotels will focus on Chinese travellers by launching a new brand which will offer a curated selection of rooms, experiences and services to cater to the evolving needs of the local demand. "Given China's strategic importance in our strategy, this new lifestyle brand will just reinforce our long-term commitment to the local market and will help further expand our footprint in the region," says Rasha Lababidi, Chief Product Officer Kempinski Hotels, "Domestic travellers will benefit from the best of both worlds, Kempinski hospitality and service expertise on one hand, distinct products and experiences specially designed for them on the other hand. Together with BTG Hotels, I look forward to bringing this new brand to life." The extension of the partnership between Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels demonstrates Kempinski long-term vision to remain a key hospitality player in the region, as part of the transformational change that the brand is going through to develop and position Europe's oldest luxury hospitality group as a dynamic, world-class leader in the luxury travel industry. About BTG Hotels (Group) Co., Ltd.: BTG Hotels Group ( is one of the top ten hotel groups in the world and one of the three major chain hotel groups in China. Established in 1999, BTG Hotels Group was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on June 1, 2000. The company focuses on hotel brand and operation management as well as scenic area operations, and serves as a key Strategic Business Unit within the lodging segment of BTG Group. As of the end of 2024, BTG Hotels Group manages over 20 brand series centered around accommodation, with nearly 40 products and a total membership exceeds 200 million. The group operates over 7,000 hotels in China, offering nearly 520,000 guest rooms. Its portfolio includes a full range of hotel products, covering "luxury high-end," "mid to high-end," "comfortable," "leisure resort," and "social entertainment," to meet consumers' demands for quality accommodation during business trips and leisure travel. In addition, the Nanshan Scenic Area, which is controlled by BTG Hotels Group, is one of the most influential 5A-level scenic spots in Hainan, attracting over 6 million visitors annually. About Kempinski: Created in 1872, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hospitality group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 79 hotels and residences in 35 countries and has more than 38 projects currently under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality that guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. About Key & Co.: Key International Hotels Management Co., Ltd' (Key Office) is a joint venture between Beijing Tourism Group, one of the largest tourism companies of mainland China, and Kempinski Hotels, Europe's oldest luxury hotel company. The joint venture was created on 5 June 2001 with a mandate to operate Kempinski and NUO Hotels in Greater China and Mongolia . Each brand stands on its own with a clear differentiation of European and new Chinese luxury, respectively, and is supported by Key one of China's most successful luxury hospitality management companies, KEY offers experienced technical services and hotel management. Today the portfolio in Greater China and Mongolia comprises 19 Kempinski hotels and 3 NUO Hotels. For further press information contact:Media contact for further information:Linda Wu •Regional Director of Marketing and Communications Kempinski Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kempinski Hotels Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kempinski Hotels Sign Landmark Agreement to Manage Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence
GENEVA, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heralding the beginning of a new era, Kempinski Hotels have signed a landmark agreement to manage the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence. In partnership with HRH Prince Luitpold von Bayern and the Royal Family of Bavaria, Kempinski will manage the private residence exclusively from 1 March, 2025. "We are truly honoured to take over management of the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence, a property with such rich history and a strong reputation for exceptional service. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for Kempinski to elevate the guest experience in one of Europe's most prestigious addresses. Our commitment is to preserve the legacy of Nymphenburg while introducing new dimensions of luxury, personalised service, and innovative hospitality for discerning guests around the world," states Barbara Muckermann, Group Chief Executive Officer for Kempinski Hotels. Located at the intersection of city and country, the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence boasts the most exclusive accommodation in Munich. Spread over three floors with a total of 836 square meters, the Royal Residence features four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, three living rooms, dining room, kitchen, fitness room, meeting space, home cinema and a wine cellar. Outdoors, the Royal Residence features a private garden with a majolica terrace with capacity for up to 100 guests. In addition to offering the ultimate suite experience, the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence also acts as a showcase for Nymphenburg Porcelain. The Royal Residence includes art objects, animal figures and tableware from the manufacturer's workshops in addition to numerous interior details that were specially made for the guest house in the bathrooms. Significant pieces by international artists including Damien Hirst and Nick Knight are displayed prominently in the Royal Residence, allowing guests to experience fine craftsmanship with priceless artwork throughout their stay. Founded in 1747 by Maximilian III, elector of Bavaria, the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory has occupied one of the Cavalier Houses since 1761. With royal patronage and the skills of ceramicist Joseph Jakob Ringler and sculptor Franz Anton Bustelli, the complex production of hard paste porcelain was perfected and refined over the years, culminating in a world-renowned family business three centuries later. Today, Nymphenburg Porcelain is one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in the world, with each item still being made by hand and a complete devotion to exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled level of detail. Kempinski's management of the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence further cements the long-established history and partnership between Europe's oldest luxury hotel group and the Royal Family of Bavaria. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich was built by HRH Prince Luitpold von Bayern's great-great grandfather, King Maximilian II, in 1858. "We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our long-standing collaboration with Kempinski, particularly with Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich. As the hotel that hosts guests of the royal family next to the Residence, it has long served as a benchmark for luxury hospitality. The Nymphenburg Room in the Schwarzreiter restaurant exemplifies the finest porcelain craftsmanship combined with exceptional cuisine. We are now embarking on a new chapter of collaboration. Kempinski will take over the management of the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence, a uniquely beautiful house located within the grounds of the porcelain manufactory at the northern roundabout of Nymphenburg Palace. This venue is tailored for guests who expect the highest cultural standards. This partnership will also usher in a new era of outstanding hospitality within the ultra-luxury segment for Kempinski," says HRH Prince Luitpold von Bayern. Reservations for the Royal Residence at Nymphenburg Palace are available to book from March 1, 2025. Accommodation includes full access to the exclusive 836 square meter villa, daily breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, 24/7 butler service and a chauffeured limousine throughout the stay. Additionally, the Royal Residence can be booked for exclusive weddings, private meetings and events. Overnight accommodation in the Royal Residence starts from EUR 25,000 / USD 26,250 per night. For more information regarding accommodation and booking enquiries, please contact: About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 78 hotels and residences in 32 countries and has more than 31 prestigious projects currently under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. About Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg: Nymphenburg is the last manufactory of its kind where everything is made entirely by hand. The fine art of porcelain production has been cultivated in the manufactory of the Bavarian royal family since it was founded in 1747. Here to this day, "Manu Factum" still means entirely made by hand using techniques that are passed on and preserved from generation to generation. The master workshops at the Nördliches Schlossrondell in Munich produce style-defining services and artefacts that are ahead of their time, as well as bespoke interior solutions – designed to this day by the most renowned artists, architects, and designers. Media contact for further information: Kristi Blake, Corporate Director Public Relations, North America Kempinski Hotels SOURCE Kempinski Hotels
