Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), a collection of over 520 independently owned luxury hotels in more than 90 countries, is investing
in its presence in the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) markets, as integral parts for the brand’s strategic direction and expansion plans post-pandemic.
With an inspiring new line-up of hotels within its ANZ portfolio, including Chalets at Blackheath (NSW), Islington Hotel (TAS) and The Carlin Hotel (NZ), SLH sees an opportunity to expand its footprint further by investing in on-the-ground resources and locally designed, strategic partnerships.
To help drive the local focus and to apply the hands-on approach SLH is renowned for, the brand re-opened the Australian office in Sydney in 2022, to accommodate a growing team of local sales and reservations representatives.
The luxury travel brand has also recently appointed local PR and marketing consultancy Helm, with the agency engaged to provide consumer and trade communications services across Australia and New Zealand, with the goal of growing awareness and expansion in market.
Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World said the refreshed focus in the region reflected the synergies between the brand and the mindset of the Australian and New Zealand hotelier and traveller.
“Small Luxury Hotels is a community of unique and characterful people and places, each naturally immersed in their local destination, and with community and consideration for the environment at their heart centre. We’re independently minded, independently spirited and intimate in our approach, and we know this is what the luxury Australian and New Zealand traveller is seeking, now more than ever, from a travel experience.
“Q1 this year, for example, saw SLH reservations increase by 63% worldwide compared to 2022, and we saw strong growth coming from the Australian market in particular. For these reasons, as well as the breadth of well designed, independent hotels in this part of the world, we see a huge opportunity to have a greater presence and impact here.”Key to its vision was the strategic partnership SLH signed with La Vie Hotels and Resorts in late 2022, which will see a number of La Vie’s boutique and upper-upscale properties across Australia and New Zealand join the SLH collection over the next few years. Islington Hotel in Hobart, one of Tasmania’s first boutique luxury hotels boasting 175 years of history, is the first of the La Vie properties to join SLH.
To welcome Islington Hotel to the portfolio, SLH is currently offering 20% off the hotel’s best available rate on weekend bookings from now until 31 May 2023, for stays until 30 September 2023 (conditions apply*). The special ‘joining’ rate, which starts from AUD$402 per room, per night, includes breakfast in the hotel’s Conservatory Restaurant and complimentary barista made coffee throughout the day. Signature Suite stays also include a complimentary mini bar, featuring local Tasmanian products and an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For more information visit https://slh.com/hotels/islington-hotel
