A perfect balance of Swiss Professionalism with Asian Passion
Swiss-Belhotel International, with a growing portfolio of more than 125 hotels, resorts, and projects, manages properties across 19 countries, including Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Priyanka Kapoor, Group Director, Sales - Marketing, Branding, Communications; Sr. Regional Director EMEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, is more than happy to share about the brand, a symbol that guarantees a combination of quality, convenience, and dedication to providing excellent value to both business and leisure travellers.
The name Swiss-Belhotel International conjures up images of a European hotel conglomerate. The hotel group, however, has a significant presence in Asia, but has a Swiss heritage from its founder, hence the name Swiss-Belhotel. In the last 34 years, with their growth largely in Central Asia, they have curated a perfect balance of ‘Swiss Professionalism in hospitality with Asian Passion for service.’ That is their USP. Their philosophy is ‘Passion and Professionalism,’ which reflects in their high service standards designed around the commitment to quality, efficiency and excellence,
The hotel group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort, and serviced residences. “SwissBelhotel International is a Global Hotel Management Group. Over 90 per cent of our portfolio is managed hotels and an ownership of less than 10 per cent. Hence, our business model is based on the philosophy of working hand in hand with our owners and partners,” informs Priyanka.
Today, Indonesia has the most number of Swiss Belhotel properties in its global portfolio and is expanding. Indonesia was among the first destinations where SwissBelhotel International established a property. With the property’s success and the needs of the developing market, it became the preferred international hotel chain for owners and investors within a short span.
The hotels are extremely popular among Indian visitors. Priyanka explains, “Our properties in cities such as Sydney, Auckland, Bali, Jakarta, and Switzerland have been among the most popular with Indians. We provide complete value for money service while our guests have the most memorable times at our properties. There is a special kitchen space for special Indian vegetarian meals in most of our properties.”
In India, Nijhawan Group represents Swiss-Belhotel International and is responsible for sales, marketing and public relations. Partnering with Nijhawan Group was a strategic step to entering the Indian landscape with a well-established network.
When asked about her expectation from the India market post-COVID and about the business segments they will be tapping, Priyanka said, “The India market is so huge, and with COVID-19, travellers have been confined within the country for too long. Hence, the demand for all types of businesses is expected. Leisure and FIT travel will undoubtedly be at a much greater level than any other segments.”
During COVID-19, technology and digital tools have played an important role in the hospitality industry for communication, and Priyanka believes that technology will grow further. With COVID, everyone was forced to get used to it, which was a very big leap to the next era. Now, one can expect even more advanced and immersive technological experiences coming in the future.
The e-commerce business has been one of the new growing trends as a result of technological advancements, and the Group is focusing and investing extensively to ensure that they keep up with all the updates and changes that are put in place.
Speaking about Swiss-Belhotel International’s expansion plans, Priyanka shares, “Asia has been our main focus and will remain to be so for future expansion. We have ten hotels in the pipeline and a hundred and fifteen are operating. Maua, a sustainable high-end eco-friendly resort, and Bohemia - a chic luxurious experience, are two new brands we’re launching to the global market.”
Swiss-Belhotel International has not ventured into India yet. However, the Group plans to introduce its hotels in India soon. “We are in talks with a few developers to enter India, and a few of the deals are at the negotiation stage. So, hopefully, very soon we will have our presence in India as well,” concludes Priyanka.