Northstar

TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA O F F I C I A L D A I L I E S www.travelweekly-asia.com 21 26 October 2017 Anthony Rippingale, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group With the signing of the largest hospitality development in Nha Trang, what is the market mix and potential you are expecting from it? Wyndham Tropicana Nha Trang has all the makings to become one of the city's most exciting destinations when it opens in 2021. The resort is situated on a prime beachfront location and will become the tallest building in the city with two 50-storey towers. As a multipurpose development, we are able to attract all segments of the market from leisure to business. There will be 1,400 condo and hotel rooms, and a retail complex on the first six floors. The property will also be well positioned to capture the business and MICE market with a two-level VIP Club floor overlooking the stunning Nha Trang Bay, plus a convention centre that will accommodate over 900 guests with configurations for break-out sessions. In terms of MICE positioning, how will this property strengthen Wyndham's reputation in the market? Interest in Vietnam's MICE and tourism offers has been growing and Wyndham Tropicana Nha Trang will be well positioned to tap into this market. Nha Trang is considered one of Vietnam's most beautiful beach destinations and championship golf courses. Coupled with easy access via Cam Ranh International Airport, the city is ideal for meeting planners. Last year, we became the first international chain to open a five-star property in Halong, Wyndham Legend Halong Bay, which has extensive meeting facilities. Properties in the pipeline include Wyndham Soleil Danang and Wyndham Garden Phu Quoc. This will further strengthen our position as a leading hospitality provider in the region. What new brands will you be thinking of introducing to our Asia Pacific market? Our company's global portfolio comprises 19 brands and some By Esther Faith Lew Wyndham wants new brands in Asia Driving franchising and management opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim yields strong growth for Wyndham Hotel Group, shares David Wray, vice president, acquisitions and business development of the newer ones include the meetings-focused Dolce Hotels and Resorts® and The Trademark Hotel Collection®, a soft brand for upper- midscale and above hotels. We will be rolling out new brands such as Howard Johnson® and Wyndham Garden®, which have seen great traction thanks to their focus on environmental sustainability. TRYP by Wyndham is another brand that sees a great fit in Southeast Asia. We have launched the 60-room TRYP Yangon and the 191-room TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia, Manila this year. The brand DNA is fun and easy-going, and offers guests an experiential stay that taps into the pulse of exciting cities. Last year, Wyndham focused on transforming its 16 brands. Is there more to come? We are in the process of releasing our new brand stories, taglines and styles to our properties globally. This brand repositioning aims to define MCARTHURGLEN ON TRACK WITH RECORD EXPANSION PLAN P artnering with Vienna Tourism Board and Salzburger Land Tourism for ITB Asia 2017, McArthurGlen Designer outlets is seeking greater growth in Southeast Asia. Since establishing its Southeast Asia representative office in 2014, the outlet mall developer has seen remarkable sales from this region. "We have enjoyed strong double digit growth for the past three years and expect 2017 to continue that trend. While Singapore and Malaysia continue to be solid performers and important client bases for us, visitation from Indonesia has seen phenomenal growth," said Anthony Rippingale, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group. Rippingale added: "With the entrance of more NTO and Destination partners in the market, we plan to work with those partners to build an even stronger awareness and presence for European destinations." McArthurGlen is also launching a new award programme to recognise trade partners' support. Between 2015 and 2016, McArthurGlen welcomed over 80 million customers to its 24 malls, which are located in popular tourist destinations across Europe and North America. The company is currently fulfilling a record expansion plan that will see its total retail space increase from 600,000sqm to nearly 900,000sqm by 2020, including an expansion at its Pandorf outlet in Vienna. and differentiate our economy, midscale and upscale brands. We are in the early stages of trialling several exciting brand pilots that will bring the brand transformation to life. Our consumers and partners will be able to see some real visual changes as the project progresses. The new Wyndham Garden launched its first-ever new- construction global prototype, designed to make travel easier while delivering greater returns for hotel owners. The state-of- the-art prototype, which conveys the promise of a serene garden, surpasses the segment by creating an upscale experience through modern architecture, functional design and a 24-hour inclusive culinary concept. Wyndham Garden Phu Quoc, which will open in 2019, will feature lush landscaping throughout the resort, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and eco-friendly materials. BY BROOKE THIO David Wray, vice president, acquisitions and business development, Wyndham Hotel Group

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