The opening of the Corinthia London at the end of 2010 will make the hotel chain a credible force in the corporate travel sector, according to its senior vice president sales and marketing.
Talking to ABTN at the ITB travel exhibition in Berlin, Glen Carroll said the company had enjoyed a healthy relationship with the trade, but that the opening of the hotel in the former Ministry of Defence building in Whitehall would strengthen its position in the eyes of buyers.
"The US and UK markets have always been key markets for Corinthia. But when you approach the corporate market it helps with the decision makers in London and New York when you have a property in central London."
Carroll said he had held meetings with UK buyers and understood what they wanted from their hotel deals.
"I know what they want to pay and I know what we have to charge, and it all matches up. Buyers want value, and want their travellers to stay in quality hotels. I'm confident we will be successful in working with the trade," he said.
Carroll, who previously worked for Oberoi and Como Hotels, said the new hotel would offer some of the bigggest rooms in London, at an average of 45 square metres. He revealed that the property would also have some 22 suites and one of the largest spas in the city.
He said the recession had been tough on the Malta-based company, but that it was well positioned for the upturn.
He said occupancy levels had remained positive over the last two years, but admitted it was unlikely that the industry would see a return to the room rates seen in 2007.