Luxury Hotelier - June 2008 - (Page 8)

8| Inform Art enhances Wyndham experience yndham Hotels and Resorts recently commissioned British artist David Downton to create unique paintings inspired by their Grand Collection hotels. The art is on display at the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour until late June. The collection is next scheduled to stop at each Grand Collection property in Europe and Africa. LUXURY HOTELIER spoke with Daniel Daniel del Olmo del Olmo, v.p., international marketing and strategy, Wyndham Hotel Group, about Wyndham’s relationship with art and Mr. Downton. Briefly Hilton Hotels Corporation and IPC Jerusalem Ltd jointly announced a management agreement to introduce the first Waldorf=Astoria Collection hotel in Israel. To be known as The Palace Jerusalem–The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, the property is anticipated to open by the end of 2010 and will feature about 220 rooms and suites. In addition, about 30 Waldorf=Astoria Collection residences are expected to be developed on the site. W accessible from the lobby as well as the restaurant and the bar. Q Why is art important for hotels like these in the Grand Collection? A Art is a way of expressing oneself, and it comes in many variations. We believe David Downton’s illustrations are a distinct way of expressing the essence of The Wyndham Grand Collection. We plan to continue to celebrate art at our properties in meaningful and innovative ways beyond this exhibition. As an example, art already takes another shape at our properties with our dining experience. Q What about Mr. Dowton’s work really says or conveys “Wyndham Grand Collection” in your opinion? A David’s custom-made illustrations allow us to communicate The Wyndham Grand Collection’s uniqueness, while capturing the essence of each location. This approach allows us to express the Wyndham brand pillars: innovation, personalization and flexibility in an original way. Q What sort of feedback have you heard from the hotel’s management and patrons? A During the orientation launch session, which took place prior to the official unveiling, our hotel management staff [a representation of general managers, directors of sales and marketing and training managers] were really excited about the innovative approach. As part of the orientation session, we invited the management staff to share ideas on how they would bring the new campaign to life in their properties and their communities. Many great ideas were shared, which are now being included as part of the next phase of the campaign as the exhibition travels from property to property. Q What’s your long-term plan for integrating original artwork like this into The Wyndham Grand Collection? A Our partnership with David Downton has been terrific. We are very happy with his work. We believe that this campaign will continue to evolve over time, but it is too early to tell what shape it will take. As mentioned earlier, we would like to use art more broadly as an expression of The Wyndham Grand Collection, so I would expect more variations to follow. Annupuri Land L.P. and Capella Hotels and Resorts announced plans to build Capella Niseko, a luxury resort and residences in Niseko, Japan. Scheduled to open in 2010, the Capella Niseko is being constructed adjacent to the Annupuri-Niseko Mountain, a renowned ski destination. Architect Tadao Ando will be in charge of design. Capella Hotels and Resorts Brand is led by hotelier Horst Schulze of Ritz-Carlton fame. Sir Rocco Forte will expand his presence in the Middle East after signing a deal to open a new property in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, his second in the region. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2010, and will follow The Rocco Forte Collection’s first Middle Eastern property, due to open in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., next year. The Jeddah site will have 159 rooms in two towers and include 50 serviced apartments. Q How is the collection displayed at the Chelsea Harbour? A The artwork is being exhibited in a gallery-like environment, which is Luxury Hotelier | June 2008 | www.LuxuryHotelier.com http://www.LuxuryHotelier.com

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Luxury Hotelier - June 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Inform Journal Network Personalities Insight: Smith Travel Research/The Bench Properties Insight: Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne Inspire Deliver Protocols Insight: HotelWorld Innovate Development Indulge Advertisers Index Editorial Index Source Listing Dossier

Luxury Hotelier - June 2008

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