Associated Luxury Hotels buys Worldhotels
US-based sales and marketing consortium Associated Luxury Hotels has acquired German rival Worldhotels for an undisclosed sum.
The combination of the two groups will create a global portfolio of around 600 independently owned properties, made up of more than 250 Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) hotels, primarily in the US, and 350 Worldhotels in Europe and across the Asia-Pacific region.
David Gabri, chairman of parent company Associated Luxury Hotels, said that the company will operate ALHI and Worldhotels as separate divisions. Some select hotels and resorts within Worldhotels may eventually be invited into the ALHI portfolio.
"Together ALHI and Worldhotels will create a powerful combination to provide guests, members, and MICE planners a comprehensive sales and marketing infrastructure and an expanded array of services that will effectively compete with the world's biggest hospitality chains," he explained. "
"These two companies have very common and complementary characteristics. Both serve independent brands and properties across the globe. Worldhotels are known for their distinct ability to penetrate corporate travel accounts, transient sales and consortia, while ALHI has built a reputation as an expert in the MICE arena."
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