The partnership sees TFE Hotels take on property management rights for the 30-year-old Heritage brand, adding five hotels and more than 500 rooms to TFE’s New Zealand portfolio. TFE already operates the Travelodge and Adina brands in New Zealand as well as having The Hotel Britomart as part of its Collection by TFE Hotels brand.
TFE Hotels CEO, Antony Ritch, announced the strategic partnership at the AHICE Aotearoa industry conference on Thursday, sending a positive signal to the local accommodation sector amid a resurgent international tourism market.
Heritage Hotels will retain ownership of its hotel portfolio, including the Adina Citylife Auckland, Rendezvous Heritage Auckland, Adina CityLife Wellington and Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Christchurch.
Ritch said the addition of the 175-room Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown “rounds out the offering, delivering a strong MICE and leisure offering in New Zealand’s adventure capital”.
Heritage Hotels’ managing director, Jeffrey Tang, said the partnership added value to New Zealand’s economy and hotel sector, with plans already underway to upgrade all five of the hotels in a rolling refurbishment plan.
“In partnering, we’re bringing together two values-aligned businesses and brands to work together in elevating guest experiences, strengthening our position in the competitive hospitality landscape, leveraging capability and providing guests with a fresh, globally connected hotel experience.”
Ritch said the partnership would help TFE establish a greater presence in New Zealand and build a stronger platform for future growth with Auckland and Wellington being key target markets alongside the well-established Adina and Travelodge brands.
The move also sees the reintroduction of the much-loved Rendezvous brand into New Zealand. It provides Asia Pacific scale to TFE’s portfolio and will see the business venture into Otago for the first time. As part of the move, TFE will establish a New Zealand country office in Auckland that is expected to open on December 1.
Ritch said the hotel naming conventions were testament to the deep respect that TFE Hotels has for the brand strength and loyalty Heritage Hotels has built during its 30-year presence in New Zealand.
“This partnership pays homage to the amazing work that Heritage Hotels has done in developing these assets and creating a strong New Zealand business.”
