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Middle East, Africa) for Small Luxury Hotels |
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| August 5, 2004 - Small Luxury Hotels of the World has tapped Richard
Curtis to be Vice-President of Marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Curtis brings over 15 years of International brand and marketing communications
experience to the luxury group having previously held international director-level
marketing positions for both Hilton and Marriott.
Curtis will operate with a $4.5 million budget and will initially focus on the core European markets for SLH of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and UK. In addition to continuing to grow the existing markets, Curtis intends to attract demand for the brand from emerging markets including the Baltic States, selected Arab countries and Russia. From a global perspective, Curtis is also expected over a three year period to grow the demand from European travelers to match that of the U.S. which currently represents over half of SLH�s total reservations while Europe achieves around 30%. Curtis plans on further capitalizing on the uniqueness of SLH and its member hotels. He comments, �Guests today actively seek out hotels where they can behave and be treated as individuals. SLH can fulfill this requirement and will gain a higher profile as a result. Today's luxury hotel users are also more likely to be younger than in the past and more inclined to prefer a contemporary approach to style and luxury. We recognize that trend and intend on meeting the demand accordingly.� Brian Mills, global spokesman for Small Luxury Hotels adds, �Richard�s work, along with our team around the globe, will be supported by a dramatically tougher new stance on standards and quality control within our membership assuring guests receive the superior level of service and experience for which the brand is known.� This appointment of Curtis and strengthening of the brand coincides with record levels of bookings for SLH, up by over 10% in 2004, and with central reservations forecast to exceed $60 million for the first time. The Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is a collection of over 300 independently owned exclusive hotels in more than 50 countries. Carefully selected for their unique style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels feature award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries, and game and wilderness lodges.
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| Contact:
Lanny Grossman
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| Also See: | Post Ranch Inn Receives Small Luxury Hotels Hotel of the Year Award / July 2004 |
| Jon Makhmaltchi Named West Coast Regional Director of Sales for Small Luxury Hotels of the World / March 2004 |