WORLDHOTELS achieves record membership applications in the first half of 2007

30 new hotels have been added to the hotel group’s global portfolio since January

Frankfurt, August 22, 2007 – For the second year running, WORLDHOTELS, the largest global affiliate hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, have broken their record regarding the number of applications for memberships worldwide. From January to June 2007, 366 individual hotels or regional brands applied for integration into the hotel group, an increase of 12% from 2006. Of these enquiries, 30 individual hotels have been added to the worldwide portfolio – 13 properties in Europe, 11 in the Americas and six in Asia.

The small percentage of acceptances to applications clearly represents WORLDHOTELS precise requirements and strategic emphasis on membership as commented by Ingo Guerges, Senior Director Business Development & Relations of WORLDHOTELS: “The first half of 2007 met our targeted expectations to fill strategic gaps particularly in the 5-star segment WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection and the MICE sector.”

Within Europe, a new member of the Deluxe Collection is The Grand Hotel Amrâth, Amsterdam which opened its doors in June 2007. The hotel is in the former Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House), a famous building designed by the Amsterdam School architects Van der May and Van Gendt. “WORLDHOTELS is the perfect partner for our prestigious project because it gives us vital international exposure and attention”, says Marcel R. Bosman, General Manager of the hotel. With the Hotel D’Angleterre in Copenhagen, WORLDHOTELS has also added its first 5 star property in the Danish capital. Situated in the city center, the hotel offers guests stylish and luxurious ambience. For the MICE market in Europe, the Tiberio Palace Hotel & Conference Centre situated right in the heart of Naples is a new member which has the largest conference facilities in the Gulf of Naples region with conference facilities catering to up to 1,500 attendees.

Of the 12 new hotels in the Americas, particular highlights are the Boutique Hotel Clarum 101 in Mexico and The Mona Lisa Suite Hotel in Orlando. Clarum 101 is in a secluded area off one of Guadalajara’s most beautiful streets and each room has a similar style but a completely different design. The Mona Lisa Suite Hotel in Orlando is the newest all-suite hotel in the Disney World Village Celebration. “Hotels are rethinking their chain affiliation and reclaiming their independent status. They are joining WORLDHOTELS for all of the global support of an affiliate hotel group”, comments Thomas Griffiths, Vice President The Americas of WORLDHOTELS.

WORLDHOTELS expansion in Asia has continued with the addition of six new hotels, including the newly opened Xianglu Grand Hotel in China. With 1,525 rooms it is the largest single hotel in Mainland China. Strategically located in the heart of Huli, Xiamen, the Hotel overlooks the main district and the scenic areas of Hubin, making it ideal location for both business and leisure visitors. In addition an exciting new member is the StarWorld Hotel in Macau which offers excellent service as well as gaming and entertainment facilities. “With the membership of the recently opened StarWorld Hotel Macau, we have a portfolio of hotels in all the four locations within the greater China region, explicitly Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan” says Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia Pacific of WORLDHOTELS.

WORLDHOTELS
Karin Mlaker
Senior Manager PR & Communication
Herriotstr. 1
60528 Frankfurt
Germany
Telephone: +49 69 660 56 0
Telefax: +49 69 660 56 197
E-mail: press@worldhotels.com

Notes to editors:

WORLDHOTELS is the largest and most established Europe based global hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands. The company's strong emphasis is on properties with character and distinction.
Under the banner “Bringing Unique Hotels and People Together”, WORLDHOTELS offers business and leisure travelers a wide choice of individualistic accommodation options in three distinct collections – Deluxe, First Class, and Comfort. WORLDHOTELS' guests also benefit from an extensive portfolio of partnerships, including frequent flyer programs from 18 of the world's leading international airlines, including Lufthansa, United Airlines and Air China.

To its member hotels, WORLDHOTELS provides a wide range of sales, marketing, distribution and related services. The company has about 500 member properties in more than 300 destinations and 70 countries worldwide.

For further information and reservations in UK please contact WORLDHOTELS by calling toll free 0-800-89 88 52, or visit worldhotels.com. Photographic material available on the website worldhotels.com, news section or from press@worldhotels.com.

This release was published on openPR.