TDA Face-to-Face: Gerard Guillouet, Vice President, Accor Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore
1) What are the main forces currently driving the hotel industry in Indonesia?
Indonesia offers significant development opportunities for hospitality industries both for domestic and international tourism. Data from the Indonesian Central Statistic Board (BPS) recorded that in 2010, the number of foreign tourists coming to Indonesia has reached more than seven million, an increase of around 10.7% compared to the same period in 2009. Meanwhile according to state ministry of culture and tourism, domestic tourist has reached more than 122 million in 2010.
The figures are still lower compared to other countries in Asia Pacific, therefore we believe many untapped opportunities remain for hospitality industry in Indonesia and particularly so for new frontiers and destinations many of which remain more or less undiscovered by tourists.
Accor is the largest hotel operator in Indonesia and it makes us one of the country’s largest employers in the tourism industry with over 7,000 employees. Accor’s leading position in the country is due to a number of factors including – early entry to the country, strong and diversified brand portfolio, effective partnering and significant infrastructure. I think equally important has been our constant commitment to developing the hotel industry here in Indonesia.
2) What are Accor’s current development plans in Indonesia?
Accor recently announced the signing of 21 new hotels in Indonesia, will add 4,526 new rooms to our nationwide portfolio. With this most recent announcement, Accor now has 34 new hotels committed to the country
3) There appears to be a significant focus on mid-market and budget brands in the country; why is this?
For Indonesia, Accor is accelerating development across all segments with a particular focus on the economy and midscale areas. Indonesia continues to strengthen economically and with it business and leisure travel volumes and it is the economy and midscale sectors that are set to benefit most.
Beyond this Accor’s Pullman brand debuted this year in Bali and will open a second hotel here in Jakarta later this year. There is scope for selective expansion in the upper upscale segment and the Pullman brand being priced at the affordable end of the five-star market is ideally positioned to capitalise the opportunity that exists and is maturing.
4) What are the key difference between your ibis and all seasons brands in Indonesia, and how will you communicate these to the market?
ibis and all seasons are both our economy brands. However ibis is our standardised economy brand, meanwhile all seasons is our non-standardised economy brand. ibis, the worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value: a well-designed and fully-equipped en-suite bedroom, major hotel services available 24/7 and a wide choice of on-site food and beverage options. all seasons is aimed at all those who are looking for “the best of the best”, all seasons offers an all-inclusive package.
Situated in the heart of cities and in other major centres of activity, each establishment has its own distinct personality and reflects a colourful, bright and energetic brand spirit with a hint of humour. Simplicity, interactivity, quality and conviviality are the brand’s core values.
5) How many new staff do you expect to hire in Indonesia in the coming years, and what recruitment activities do you have planned?
Accor is the largest hotel operator in Indonesia and it makes us one of the country’s largest employers in the tourism industry with around 7,000 employees. This growth will require approximate 5,000 additional employees between now and the end of 2015.
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