Two new hotels in Auckland and Queenstown will facilitate the debut of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts’ upper-midscale La Quinta brand, the company announced this week.
The franchising juggernaut will introduce ‘LQ by Wyndham’ as a slightly modified version of the brand in the South East Asia Pacific Rim (SEAPR) region but comes at a time of rapid global expansion for the brand in general. Following its recent launch into Europe in Istanbul, the progress of the brand moving into Australasia continues its momentum in growing outside its USA heartland. The expansion into NZ comes as part of a franchise agreement with long-standing regional partner, Safari Group.
New Zealand properties will comprise the 246-room LQ by Wyndham Greenlane Auckland, which will be located in the city’s Ellerslie district on Great South Road. The property will include a mixture of studio and apartment-style accommodations, a fitness centre and a number of ‘Grab & Go’ style cafes, aimed at both corporate and leisure visitors. Construction at this site is due to begin shortly with a view to opening in mid-2022.
On the South Island, the brand will also expand into Queenstown in the form of the 87-room LQ by Wyndham Remarkables Park, aimed at adventure seekers, especially the ski market. Also offering a mix of studio and apartment-style rooms, the property will include self-service food options and a fitness centre. The brand’s debut in Queenstown is expected to open to guests in late-2020.
The addition of the new brand will Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ presence in New Zealand to 15 properties, once open.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts President and Managing Director, SEAPR, Joon Aun Ooi, said the company was delighted to expand its relationship with Safari Group and bring a new brand to New Zealand.
“Despite the current situation, we are confident of the tourism momentum in New Zealand and that international travellers will return to seek out the country’s natural attractions and stunning scenery. As visitors return to discover this beautiful country, Wyndham will be there to cater for their needs with a collection of exceptional hotels and resorts in key locations nationwide.”