World's finest independent hotels raise their voices at Independent Hotel Forum

Jul 27, 04 | 12:09 am

The owners and operators of the world's premier independent luxury hotels will gather in London from 9-12 July to voice their experiences and hopes for the future at the Independent Hotel Forum.

Hosted by The Independent Hotel Corporation (IndeCorp), the event features key personnel from more than 130 hotels across 30 countries. Historic hotels, chic urban properties, designer boutiques, golf and spa specialists, all-inclusive resorts and many other types of hotels are represented at the largest gathering of this kind in the world.

"This event gives a strong voice to luxury independent hotels," said John Ueberroth, Chairman of the Board and CEO of IndeCorp. "They exist in a world dominated by global hotel chains so it is very important to have so many influential hoteliers in a single room to share and discuss ideas and issues."

Ueberroth - who is one of the keynote speakers at the media day on Monday 12 July - estimates he has stayed in more than a thousand hotel rooms during over 30 years in the travel and leisure industry and he appreciates why so many travellers are turning away from global chains to use independents.

"No one wants to stay at just another hotel that was identical to the last one," he said. "Independent hotels have the capability to offer an original experience, a striking location and high levels of customer service. On the financial side, independent hotels are now a very good investment. Five years ago, they were considered to be very risky by investors but not any longer."

IndeCorp, which hosts the Independent Hotel Forum on an annual basis, provides business systems and sales and marketing support to more than 300 independent hotels in over 50 countries through its three brands - Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Summit Hotels & Resorts and Sterling Hotels & Resorts.

Journalists are welcome to attend the Independent Hotel Forum's media day on Monday 12th July 2004 at The Landmark London - opposite Marylebone BR station. It features a speaker event starting at 11am followed by a lunch featuring specialist dishes from dozens of hotels represented.

The speakers include:  

Peter Bates (Founder & President of Strategic Vision) speaking on "The Independent Hotel Of The Future"

Strategic Vision is a consultancy providing marketing, sales and PR to the travel, leisure and luxury industries. His career has spanned Cunard Line, Thistle Hotels, Mandarin Oriental and Savoy Hotels.

Francis Green (General Manager of The Landmark London) speaking on "The Definition Of The Independent Guest"

Under Francis' stewardship, The Landmark London was named London's Hotel of the Year in 2003.

Russell Kett (Managing Director of HVS International) speaking on "New And Emerging Independent Markets"

With more than 25 years' specialist hotel consultancy experience, Russell has a key role with HVS - a global consulting and services organisation focused on the hotel, restaurant and leisure industries.

John A Ueberroth (Chairman/CEO of IndeCorp) speaking on "The Rise Of Independent Hotels In A World Dominated By Chains"

John joined IndeCorp in March 2004.  He has more than 30 years of executive level experience in the travel industry, ranging from global travel agencies and travel service companies to an airline.

Gary Kerr, the golf professional from St Andrews Bay Golf Resort & Spa, will be on hand to help with putting tips, and two therapists from The Landmark London (Kathryn Williamson and Jedd Greening) will be offering relaxing massages to delegates.

If you wish to attend or require further details, contact Richard Davies at Banc PR on 01865 310 565 or email richard.davies@banc.co.uk

ABOUT INDECORP

The Independent Hotel Corporation (IndeCorp) provides independent hotels and resorts with expert business consultancy and key services such as sales, marketing, distribution, reservations and revenue management services.  Its goal is to forge lasting partnerships with independent hoteliers, preserving and celebrating the individuality and personality of their hotels. It works with them to establish innovative and cost effective strategies that offer a competitive edge against the chains in the global marketplace.  IndeCorp employs 94 employees in twelve countries. 

Headquartered in Chicago, IndeCorp services more than 300 distinctive luxury independent hotels and resorts in 51 countries through its brands: Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (www.preferredhotels.com ), Sterling Hotels & Resorts (www.sterlinghotels.com ), and Summit Hotels & Resorts (www.summithotels.com ). IndeCorp's website is www.indecorp.net .