Accor: the Bandung invasion

BANDUNG - “We are the largest Ibis Hotel in Asia with over 600 rooms. And I believed when I took over the management that it would be hard to fill up them. I am the first of being surprised. But less than a year after opening we record on average an occupancy of 75% and we even in recent weeks being totally sold out”, says Patrick Sibourg, General Manager of Ibis Trans-Studio, one of the newest kid in the block in West Java capital, Bandung. The hotel is particularly on the week end. Less than a year after becoming operational, they are already plan to expand the facilities such as adding new lifts to reduce waiting times!
The success of the Bandung Ibis Transtudio should finally not come as a surprise. According to Hermann Rukmanadi, Head of the Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA), West Java Chapter, some 50 million of travellers are recorded every year in Bandung [Interview to be soon released in a next edition of TDN Asia]. Bandung is turning increasingly as a favourite leisure and shopping destination for domestic travellers, especially for Jakarta people who comes there to enjoy the city’s cooler climate as well as its factory outlet stores. For Ibis, the proximity to Trans-Studio theme park and to a large shopping mall are further adding to the hotel’s appeal.
Accor is now further capitalizing on Bandung’s power of seduction towards Indonesian travellers. “Bandung is  not only a great tourism place. It is also turning into a leading centre for creative industries and related activities. This generates business”, adds Patrick Sibourg.
Accor currently operates one Ibis and one Novotel but they are plans to add until 2015 another five hotels with various rating. To start first with the most prestigious project, the Pullman Bandung. Built across the square dominated by the Gedung Sate, Bandung most iconic building, the future property will be complemented by the massive West Java International Convention Centre. The owner already appointed Accor to run its newest property in Jakarta, the Pullman Central Park, which is rapidly becoming one of the trendiest hotels in the Indonesian capital.
Another high profile hotel will open in 2014 as a Ibis Style Braga. Located in Bandung historical town with its numerous Art Deco buildings, the future Ibis Braga will consist of three historical pavilions –currently under restoration- with a 14-floor tower standing in the background. Two other Ibis, one “budget” and another one “style” are also due to be completed until 2015. They are also plan to develop a Mercure hotel. In total, Accor would then have a portfolio of seven properties in West Java capital, becoming de facto the city’s largest hotels’ operator.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews