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France: Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz is first member of new initiative.
Orient-Express Hotels has launched the Orient-Express Associate Hotels program, unveiling the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz as the programme’s founding member.
David Williams, chief marketing officer for Orient-Express, said: “The Associate Hotels programme is an opportunity to enhance our portfolio of iconic travel experiences by partnering with independently owned and/or managed luxury hotels. In return for providing access to our highly valued international sales force and strategic marketing channels, this initiative enables us to curate new destinations for our guests to discover. Our boutique collection is uniquely positioned to work with like-minded hoteliers who wish to preserve their established individual brand reputation, but who share the vision of the Orient-Express umbrella brand, offering an equal standard of authentic experience, revenue return and service as our owned properties.”
Associate hotels will have access to the Orient-Express suite of sales, marketing and public relations support in 17 geographic markets, global voice reservations and dedicated distribution under the Orient-Express GDS code “OE”, and a fully aligned online presence with next generation websites. Available strategic partnerships include the Bellini Club, Orient-Express’ preferred agent programme.
Jean-Louis Leimbacher, general manager of Hôtel du Palais, said: “Hôtel du Palais is thrilled to be the first property to be able to call itself an Orient-Express associate hotel. Hôtel du Palais has been a landmark in Biarritz for 120 years and we were looking for an opportunity to increase our distribution without sacrificing our iconic brand identity. In Orient-Express we have found a partner with the mindset of an owner-operator that really understands how to preserve our individual personality and at the same time grow our revenue with intelligent marketing and distribution channels.”
www.orient-express.com
