Wyndham Hotel Group is set to introduce its Ramada Encore brand to New Zealand as the global chain continues to broaden its portfolio in the country.
Revealed to almost 800 delegates at the at the eighth annual Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) in Melbourne today (May 3), the soon-to-be Ramada Encore Christchurch Colombo Street is being developed under a franchise agreement with Lepdon Holdings and is slated to be completed in late-2017.
Once finished, it will bring Wyndham’s portfolio in New Zealand to nine hotels and resorts spanning 446 rooms.
Located in the Christchurch CBD, the NZD$15 million development is ideally located near heritage attractions, the historic Canterbury Museum and the Arts Centre. Tourism hot spots like the Cardboard Cathedral, Re:START (the temporary shopping mall built from shipping containers), the Town Hall, funky restaurants and bars are all within walking distance.
Christchurch is the nation’s heritage heart and the gateway to the South Island. A range of unforgettable experiences are available inside a two-hour drive, including hiking, mountain bike riding, rafting, surfing, golfing, bungee jumping, skiing and whale, dolphin and seal watching.
The city’s tourism revenue grew five per cent to NZD$2.2 billion in the year ending January 2017 and the result made Christchurch the nation’s second largest tourism market, even ahead of booming Queenstown.
Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim President and Managing Director, Barry Robinson, said this development signifies the company’s desire to have a diverse presence in all New Zealand’s major cities.
“Wyndham Hotel Group has achieved outstanding portfolio growth in New Zealand in the past two years, going from five hotels and resorts to nine existing or planned properties, with more on the way,” he said.
“Ramada Encore is a unique brand, different from any other lifestyle brand in New Zealand.
“It appeals to international and savvy domestic travellers alike through its modern features such as vibrant social spaces, contemporary bathrooms, wooden floors and bright colours.
“Ramada Encore will be the perfect fit for this trendy part of the city,” he said.
The hotel’s facilities include meeting rooms, a gym and a restaurant. Managing Director of franchisee Lepdon Holdings, Erin Hindmarsh, said the hotel will have a positive impact on Christchurch, including the employment of at least 12 staff once operational.
“This will be a significant development for Christchurch that will not just benefit travellers, but also those working in the food and beverage industry,” she said.
“This announcement today – and the involvement of a global hospitality giant like Wyndham – is a sign of confidence in the long-term future of tourism in Christchurch.”
Throughout South East Asia and the Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotel Group currently has more than 100 hotels operating under its Ramada, Ramada Encore, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Grand, Wyndham Garden, Days Inn, Tryp by Wyndham and Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham brands.