Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Accelerates New Zealand Expansion with Safari Group

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 properties across more than 80 countries, has announced the expansion of its portfolio in New Zealand in partnership with Safari Group, its long-term partner in the country with the signing of a new Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Wellington.

Scheduled to open in late 2020, the brand-new Ramada Suites by Wyndham Taranaki Street Wellington will mark the company's debut in Wellington with 93 contemporary rooms and conference facilities in the heart of New Zealand's capital city.

This latest signing brings the two companies' joint New Zealand pipeline to seven hotels, out of which three new construction properties will open this year in key destinations nationwide. The company currently licenses or operates nine hotels across New Zealand, five of which are Safari Group developments.

“With its spectacular scenery and enticing attractions, New Zealand is a highly desirable destination for international travellers – especially the new generation of affluent Asian visitors. Arrivals to New Zealand have increased by more than 50% since 2010, due in part to its rising popularity in countries such as China. It is vital therefore that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has a strong and trusted partner in the country, and we are extremely happy to deepen our relationship with Safari Group. We look forward to working together to introduce even more high-quality hotels to destinations all across New Zealand,” said Joon Aun Ooi, president and managing director, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, South East Asia and Pacific Rim.

Wyndham's focus on New Zealand reflects the continued upswing of tourism arrivals to the country. According to government data, a total of 3.9 million international travellers visited New Zealand in the year ended March 31, 2019, up 1.3% year-on-year. This year marks the sixth consecutive year of growth.

“Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's leading hotel companies with a growing collection of globally recognised brands and we are proud to call them our partner. Having collaborated together for many years, we have a great respect for how they operate and value the extensive support they provide to franchisees, including branding and distribution on a global scale. This is the perfect time to enhance our relationship with an accelerated roll-out of world-class hotels,” commented Robert Neil, owner, Safari Group.

Three New Ramada Hotels to Open this Year in New Zealand
The 85-room Ramada Suites by Wyndham Auckland Manukau Pacific Centre – Located in south Auckland close to the Vodafone Event Centre, Rainbow's End theme park and the Vector Wero Whitewater Park, this 10-story, new-construction hotel will offer studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with laundry and cooking facilities, as well as on-site gym, restaurant and other amenities. The hotel is scheduled to open in August 2019.

The 47-room Ramada Suites by Wyndham Auckland Victoria Street West – Situated in Auckland's central business district, this unique property sits atop the historic Cambridge clothing factory and is surrounded by landmark attractions including Aotea Square, Sky Tower and Auckland Conference Centre. The hotel will become the second Ramada in downtown Auckland and is scheduled to open in September 2019.

The 131-room Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Central – Located in the commercial centre of Queenstown, the new-construction hotel will feature rooms with modern furnishings and stylish décor along with an on-site restaurant, gym and conference facilities. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, the hotel is within walking distance of Queenstown's main shopping and entertainment areas, and is a short drive from the ski slopes of Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. It is also scheduled to open in September 2019.

The three hotels are owned and developed by the Safari Group and will operate under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts licenses and/or operates nine hotels and resorts across New Zealand under three of its distinct brands—Wyndham Garden®, Ramada® by Wyndham, and Days Inn® by Wyndham—with locations in Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Albany, Rotorua, Taipa, Hamilton and Wanaka. All of the hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the world's most generous rewards program with more than 30,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide.

Website: wyndhamhotels.com