Singapore-based hotel firm Meritus has reported a recent rise in Australian room nights across its six property portfolio over the last year, branding Australia a “key market”.
Although the Singapore-based operator was earlier this year worried by the impact of the alliance between Qantas and Emirates and the subsequent rerouting of the Flying Kangaroo’s European routes via Dubai, the year has actually delivered a rise in capacity to Singapore.
“It’s really helping our two hotels in the destination,” regional vice president sales Paul Stocker told media during a visit to Australia by a delegation of senior executives. Its two Singapore properties, with a combined total of 1600 rooms, have seen Australian guest numbers rise by 20%.
He was confident that overall growth of between 12% and 15% from the Australian market would be maintained over the coming years, with the firm particularly targeting the business travel and MICE sectors.
Growing awareness of its brand in Australia will be a priority for Singapore-based hotel firm Meritus over the next year, with Stocker admitting there is work to do in the local market.
“We’re not really well known but we’re going to change that,” he said.
Under the direction of its new chief executive, the group is determined to expand with Stocker revealing acquisitions rather than management deals are within its sights. A Bali property is slated for later this year with talks underway for properties in Shanghai and Hong Kong. The firm is also exploring the possibility of an Australian acquisition.
“Sydney is also definitely an option in terms of our expansion,” Stocker added.
