Strategic partnership for UK group
The UK City Inn hotel chain has signed a strategic partnership deal with WORLDHOTELS, a global marketing group.
The chain which specialises in new build, modern properties, has five hotels in the UK with a sixth due to open in Leeds later this month.
WORLDHOTELS was set up nearly 40 years ago to attract "unique exclusive hotels" for business and leisure travellers.
It now has about 500 properties in its portfolio.
It said the agreement with City Inn which was founded in 1995, is part of its aim of expanding its properties in the UK.
Robert Hormann, WORLDHOTELS' vp EMEA and worldwide sales, marketing and distribution, said City Inn was the "perfect partner."
He added: "It offers a modern alternative to the traditional large hotel and provides added-value accommodation in thriving city centre locations.
"By welcoming City Inn Hotels, WORLDHOTELS is now present in all major high demand business destinations in the UK."
Huw O'Connor, City Inn's managing director, while the chain had a "strong awareness in the UK" but as a "relatively new and small business we face a more significant challenge internationally."
He added: "Having thoroughly researched the options and potential partners, we believe that WORLDHOTELS with its brand strength, global sales network and technology is the best partner to help spread the multi-award winning City Inn message to a much broader international audience."
WORLDHOTELS now has 11 properties in the UK. "We are strongly committed to the UK market," Mr Hormann said.
"We have a dedicated sales office in London and just recently, we appointed a new sales director for the UK and Ireland, Arnaud Boivent, and a new director hotel development, Mark Jones, both based in London.
"We are strongly focusing on expanding in the UK market."
www.cityin.com www.worldhotels.com