Hotelier edition 14 | Page 35

HOT | COVER Story 5. What is the impact of Indonesia economic conditions on your expansion strategy? beyond the economic situation in Indonesia which is favorable, the country is characterized by a greater and stronger middle class, than other countries in the region. This is an important condition for a steady development of the hotel industry chain. 6. How long you think this climate is favorable for the Louvre Hotels Group franchise? We think we have about five years to make a significant market share with a willingness to go with the Golden Tulip brands (4 and 5 stars) and our economic brand First Class. 7. How behaved Indonesia in 2014? We got like election seasons. What are your ambitions for the future? Do you do to renew certain franchise agreements in future? How many percent’s would be if there are any changes? I just want to say that election years in a country are never fabvorable for business purpose, we foresee as usual in such a year that for a couple of months certain investors or developers may be cautious or hold back, but given to robust appetite of investment in Indonesia, we are confident that it will rebounce very quickly and that year end the impact will be not be too significant.but very often a rebound occur the year after. Golden Tulip Indonesia would indeed are planning to be trendsetter with regards to our mobile website and booking engine which is quite advanced, we at the same time see that the future is in mobile and are to roll out so called “self check-in” by mobile phone etc, which we have already developed in Europe and now wish to introduce in Indonesia. “Mark added 8. Louvre Hotels certainly has always planned to be a trend setter, any news regarding new technology that Golden Tulip has applied? What’s your assessment for Indonesia? Is there obligated for the franchisee to use? We in Indonesia would indeed are planning to be trendsetter with regards to our mobile website and booking engine which is quite advanced, we at the same time see that the future is in mobile and are to roll out so called “self check-in” by mobile phone etc, which we have already developed in Europe and now wish to introduce in Indonesia. 9. Tell me your favorite’s foods and have you try ever Indonesian Food on your visits? I like fish dishes and seafood and all recipes with chocolate (It’s my gourmand side).... the Indonesian food is very fine. For a European we are often surprised by the spicies but it is a pleasure to discover your specialities (Gado gado, Bakmi goreng). with www.hotelier-indonesia.com With Mark in Le Meridien Jakarta HOTELIER INDONESIA | SEPTEMBER 2013 • 35