Accor, Forte, Hilton International to expand European web initiatives to Asia Pacific Starwood to join Asia Pacific web distribution operation

Forte Hotel Group, Hilton International and Accor have signed an agreement to expand their Internet Joint Venture - initially focused on Europe to develop and operate distribution and marketplace initiatives on the internet - to the Asia Pacific region.

Joining the three global hotel groups in the Asia Pacific web distribution initiative is Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Initial operations are expected to start by the end of 2000, providing travellers and professionals with a vast range of destination options and hotel styles across Asia Pacific, covering the full spectrum from 5-star deluxe to budget accommodation.

Discussions are also taking place to develop and operate a hospitality marketplace for the Asia Pacific region, which will give participating hotel groups access to a wide range of products and services that will optimise operating costs. A further announcement in relation to this initiative is expected shortly.

The Asia Pacific internet initiatives will as much as possible be consistent with European solutions, particularly on the technical side, and in the offerings to clients. Other partners are expected to join the existing partners prior to the launch of the websites later this year

David Baffsky, Chairman of Accor Asia Pacific, said: "This initiative by four of the region's most influential players marks one of the most important steps in the evolution of the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific. With demand growing strongly for accommodation in the mid-market levels, Accor's involvement in the joint-venture will ensure that the combined site offers an extremely broad range of hotel styles and price options."

Michael Sagild, Regional Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Forte Hotel Group, comments: "This historic initiative complements our development plans in the Asia Pacific region. We see the European joint venture as a model for this region, benefiting both our customers as well as the hotel groups involved. The Joint Venture will give unparalleled choice for travellers through an increasingly effective, and popular, information and booking channel. In addition, it will have significant cost benefits for the participants."

Koos Klein, President of Hilton International Asia Pacific, said: "Use of the Internet - particularly in the travel sector - has grown rapidly in the Asia Pacific region, and the potential for future growth is enormous, especially in emerging markets. The aim of the new site is to ensure that our customers are presented with the best possible prices and range of hotels. With one click, travellers will have access to the most prestigious grouping of hotels available in the Asia Pacific region".

Philip Ho, Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific, of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, said: "We have entered this joint venture to take full advantage of emerging distribution channels. While internet bookings still form only a small percentage of our total bookings, the trends indicate that we will follow the American situation, whereby increasingly travel is booked via the net. The new site will give even wider access to our brands, while ensuring that we retain control of our inventory."


HOTEL GROUP PROFILES


Accor operates 3,400 hotels worldwide, including over 170 in the Asia Pacific region. Its main brands are: Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons, Ibis and Formule 1. Accor is also a major participant in travel agencies, restaurants, casinos and services (cards and vouchers for companies and institutions).

Forte Hotel Group, the hotels divison of Granada Group plc, comprises some 450 hotels and resorts with over 59,000 bedrooms in 55 countries worldwide. Forte operates four hotel brands - 125 upscale Le Méridien hotels and resorts, 45 traditional Heritage Hotels, 80 mid-market Posthouse and 200 Travelodge, the leading lodge business in the UK. A strategic alliance has been announced between Le Meridien and Nikko Hotels International. In Asia Pacific, Le Méridien has 17 hotels offering a total of 5,461 rooms.

Hilton International is a subsidiary of Hilton Group plc and currently operates in 220 city centre, airport and resort hotels in more than 50 countries worldwide, including 28 hotels in the Asia Pacific region.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., through its St. Regis, Luxury Collection, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points and W Brands, is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 700 hotels and resorts in over 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. In Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts operates 70 hotels with over 26,000 rooms.