By James Wilkinson
New Zealand’s largest private hotel owner, CP Group, is set to un-brand five managed properties, create new brand names and acquire more hotels in a massive shake-up for the Auckland-based business.
In a statement obtained by HM, CP Group said it had decided to “take over management of all its smaller hotels and run them in-house effective immediately”.
“CP Group has recently expanded its hotel operational management resources and expertise to operate the smaller hotels it owns, and other smaller hotels it acquires,” the company said.
“The management of CP Group’s five hotels previously managed by Staywell Hospitality Group will join other hotels currently being managed by CP Group.
“All existing management and staff employed by CP Group will continue under their same employment terms and conditions,” CP Group said.
Prior to being managed by Staywell Hospitality Group, the five properties now back under CP Group management were formerly operated under Accor’s Mercure brand.
However, CP Group said it intends to keep the larger hotels in the portfolio under existing brands, many of which are operated by Accor.
“Its larger hotels, including several new builds currently under construction, will continue to be managed by third-party hotel chains,” CP Group said.
One of the additional management resources appointed by CP Group has been former Horwath HTL New Zealand Director Terry Ngan, who is now the company’s Director of Hotel Operations.
“Plans for the future, some of which have commenced implementation, include acquiring more hotels, refurbishment at the hotels, new hotel names, branding and a new website,” CP Group said.
CR Group owns around 20 New Zealand hotels, including Pullman Auckland, Mercure Auckland and a share of Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, alongside several in Australia and the Pacific including Novotel Suva and shares of Novotel and Mercure hotels in Nadi.
The company is also currently developing the Sofitel Wellington and Sofitel So Auckland hotels in New Zealand.