Summit Hotels & Resorts Sets Sights On 2004 Growth

With a collection of over 130 privately owned and managed luxury hotels across the globe, Summit Hotels & Resorts appeals to both business and leisure travellers with its portfolio of "culturally elegant" properties. And, as over 70% of its business is conducted directly with the travel trade, events such as ITB remain a key part of Summit's calendar.

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced many new initiatives, aimed at growing awareness of its brand and boosting bookings during 2004.

A survey undertaken amongst Summit Hotels & Resorts' hoteliers on their predictions for 2004 revealed that they generally have an optimistic outlook for the hotel industry this year.

The hoteliers polled believe that 2004 will see a recovery after the problems of the past few years, with many forecasting an increase for leisure travel as a result of pent up demand. Member hotels, however, are divided on whether business travel will remain stable or increase - with pressure on average rate still existing in many destinations.

The member hoteliers from the Asia Pacific region were especially hopeful that their business will recover, hoping that no new health scares or adverse world events occur. Bangkok has started the year strongly despite Bird Flu scares. The Japanese Government-inspired boost to Tourism is seen as being important this year in helping their market to recover. Over 10 new hotels are planned to open in Tokyo over the next 2 years, though these are mainly 2/3 Star and not competitors of the luxury Summit properties.

In addition, European Union members from Eastern Europe hope that the increased focus on new member states including Estonia will help to boost business.

Technology now plays a key role in bookings and also in satisfying the demands of business travellers. In 2003 internet bookings increased by 17% with members agreeing that this trend looks certain to continue at a rate of between 10-25%. Revenue from www.summithotels.com increased by over 800%. In room technology was deemed to be of the utmost importance by the majority of hoteliers with some offering WI-FI and many considering offering free Internet access.

Managing Director of Summit Hotels & Resorts Richard Lewis commented, "The past few years have unquestionably been some of the most difficult for those in the hospitality industry. SARS, war in Iraq, global terrorism and the global economic situation have conspired to create what can be described as a perfect storm for the hotel industry. It is therefore very pleasing that hotels can now see the green shoots of recovery in 2004."

Summit has signed exclusive agreements with three hotels; Hotel Forty Seven, Rome, Italy, the Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati Venice, Italy and the Sunscape Tulum Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico. Under the agreements signed, each hotel will gain access to Summit Hotels & Resorts' global sales network and reservation systems and will benefit from the group's marketing and brand building activities.

The Sunscape Tulum Riviera Maya in Cancun, the newest all-inclusive resort property of Sunscape Resorts, is situated within sight of the ancient Mayan archaeological ruins of Tulum, The Xel-Ha ecological park, Xcaret Park and the town of Playa del Carmen.

Hotel Forty Seven, Rome, lies in the very heart of the old city and is ideally located for those people wanting to pay a visit to Rome's archaeological sites, including the Colosseum.

The Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati in Venice, is a design hotel within one of the oldest cities in the world. Superbly located the hotel benefits from magnificent views over St. Marks Square and provides all the modern conveniences that even the most exacting guest would expect, including internet access, fitness centre facilities and complimentary access at the Lido golf club.

Richard Lewis, Managing Director of Summit Hotels & Resorts, said: "As we know from research that we have undertaken, today's traveller looks for experiences not similarity. All our hotels are 'individual' and offer guests a unique experience. As such, Hotel Forty Seven, Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati and Sunscape Tulum Riviera Maya are all a perfect fit with our brand."

Summit is re-running its highly successful 'XLerate' worldwide promotion for travel agents in 2004. As with the 2003 promotion, travel agencies that book Summit Hotels & Resorts properties between 1st January and 31st March 2004 will automatically be entered into a prize draw with the opportunity to win a first prize of £1000 (Euro 1500), a second prize of £500 (Euro 750) or one of 25 weekend breaks at a Summit hotel.

Every booking made with Summit Hotels & Resorts earns an entry into the draw, so the more bookings an agency makes the more chance they have of winning. With savings of up to 50% available through Summit Hotels & Resorts' promotional rates - 'Summit Exclusives' - there is every reason for agents to book and enter the draw time and time again.

Richard Lewis, Managing Director of Summit Hotels & Resorts, said: "The 2003 XLerate promotion proved to be a big hit with travel agents and led to an increase in bookings revenue of 7.9% compared with the same period in 2002. Re-running the promotion is our way of demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the travel trade.

"This year, in addition to giving travel agencies the opportunity to win fantastic cash prizes, there are 25 luxury weekend breaks staying at Summit hotels on offer. We anticipate that agents will work together to make sure that they and their colleagues are winners!"

The Summit Hotels & Resorts 'City and Leisure Breaks' programme offers the best "escape from it all" packages available worldwide, via its portfolio of privately owned and managed hotels. With prices starting from as little as Euro 59.50 per person per room per night, Summit Hotels & Resorts is providing the perfect excuse to do something different this spring. The programme offers travellers a number of exciting short breaks in some of the world's most exciting capitals and relaxing destinations. With a raft of fantastic ideas for the perfect getaway, guests can choose between the following City and Leisure Breaks packages, which include:

• Romantic Breaks
• Beach Escapes
• Tropical Americas
• City Chic
• Shop till' You Drop
• Jetset to Japan
• Culture Capitals
• Golf Getawaysv
• Sensuous Spas
• All prices are subject to availability.

Summit is using ITB to re-launch its website www.summithotels.com. The new website offers a fresh and clean new look and will be faster and easier to use for guests and bookers than ever before. Key features include:

• a new functional design making navigation simple and intuitive;
• increased focus on promotional content;
• additional content such as destination and local area information;
• new upgraded booking engine providing many additional functions

Summit Hotels & Resorts is a collection of over 130 privately owned and managed, luxury hotels located in more than 100 city centres and resorts worldwide. Each individual Summit hotel member has an established reputation as among the world's finest hotels, reflecting the best of local culture and offering exceptional service and facilities. Guests enjoy additional benefits with Summit Hotels & Resorts, such as frequent flyer miles through its partnerships with 11 international airlines. Summit Hotels & Resorts is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chicago-based IndeCorp, a privately held, for-profit, shareholder-owned company designed to protect and sustain independent hotel brands in the global market place. Information and online reservations are available at Summit Hotels & Resorts' website www.summithotels.com or via GDS code: XL.

Summit's sister brands are Preferred Hotels and Resorts and Sterling Hotels and Resorts.