27 July 2001SINGAPORE - Five of Asia's homegrown hotel groups joined
forces today to launch the Asian Hotels Alliance (AHA),
launching consecutively in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo,
Taipei and Bangkok, with eyes on increasing its spread of
members.
AHA, which represents Thailand's Dusit Hotels &
Resorts, Landis Hotels & Resorts in Taiwan, Hong's
Kong's Marco Polo Hotel Group, Singapore's Meritus Hotels
& Resorts and New Otani Hotels of Japan, launched the
brand, as well as a new website at www.asianhotelsalliance.com and sales
guide.
Meritus Hotels president Michael Ow said the group was
united by a "philosophy of Oriental service". Initial plans
would start with a marketing umbrella at major trade shows
and roadshows in each market. Further down the track, other
members would be welcomed in from in and outside Asia, he
said.
"We feel this way we can get marketing exposure which is
significantly greater than anything we could do ourselves,"
said Ow.
The grouping will work initially towards a joint loyalty
programme for its 230,000 member base.