Leading hotel group Choice Hotels Asia-Pac and South Australian accommodation management business M&G Hotel Group are celebrating the addition of two new properties, Econo Lodge Port Augusta and Econo Lodge Dockside Glenelg.
The new properties bring M&G Group’s total number of franchise agreements with Choice Hotels to seven, with the two Econo Lodges joining Comfort Inn Whyalla, Comfort Inn Regal Park, Comfort Inn Manhattan & Suites, Comfort Inn Glenelg, and Quality Inn O’Connell – all in South Australia.
Group General Manager of M&G Group, Greg Winston, has worked alongside Choice for nine years. Sustained delivery from Choice’s robust global distribution channels and local, dedicated support are two of the things Winston credits as being instrumental in helping hotel franchisees grow their business.
“It’s a big toolbox,” Winston says. “Any time there’s a question, there’s someone at Choice to ask.”
Winston says the market knowledge and advice shared by the Choice team also played a key role in M&G deciding to take on and brand Dockside Glenelg and Port Augusta as Econo Lodges.
The group’s first foray with the Econo Lodge brand has started strongly. “We’re already seeing the benefit of being involved with the Econo Lodge brand,” Winston says, with M&G’s Port Augusta property recording significant growth since branding as an Econo Lodge in August this year.
Winston cites Choice’s revenue management service as another advantage. “The revenue management provided by Choice gives us an unemotional set of eyes and removes the personal attachment from the equation.”
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac CEO Trent Fraser says M&G’s continued expansion underscores Choice’s strategic commitment to supporting growth from within.
“Our entire team is geared to support our 100 per cent franchise operations. We work closely with our franchisees to understand their needs to grow their business and tailor our support to complement their aspirations,” Fraser said.
For Winston, M&G’s decision to continue expanding with Choice is a smart business decision, with more properties from the accommodation management business expected to join the portfolio in the future.
“Choice delivers the consumer confidence that comes with a trusted brand,” Winston says, “so guests know what they’re getting every time they stay.”
“It is very clear to me that M&G and Choice share the same values,” he adds. “We’re both authentic and honest, and we aim to over-deliver.”
