Relais & Châteaux - Encouraging Business Results

(Hong Kong, November 4, 2009) Although fiscal 2008-2009 was a difficult period for Relais & Châteaux member properties due to the impact of the international crisis, the satisfying results recorded by central reservations during the summer season are encouraging for the forthcoming fiscal year.

A year of action: New communication and commercial strategy
The total revamping of the international Relais & Châteaux Guide, the consolidation of press relationships and a world-wide advertising campaign largely contributed towards raising awareness of the international Relais & Châteaux brand.
Moreover, the Association was able to enhance the competitiveness of its members through its decision in favour of the RedX distribution management system of SynXis which allowed it to markedly improve its performance over last year.

Reservations: increasing numbers
The new Relais & Châteaux central reservation system, which was launched in March, has generated a 24% higher result since its introduction. These positive developments were confirmed during the first quarter of fiscal 2009-2010 (July, August, September) with a consistent rise in the level of activity (+28%) attributable to the strong increase in bed nights (+39%), reservations (+35%) and the average length of stay (+3%).

Rewarded reactivity
After a period of very strong growth between 2004 and the first half year 2008, sales revenues fell by more than 11% in 2008-2009 in an environment marked by a major economic crisis. However, the reactivity and measures taken by Relais & Châteaux allowed it to check this decline.
"Given its proximity to the member properties, the Board of Directors of the Association was able to respond to the crisis: the development of our commercial and communication strategies combined with the exchange and sharing of ideas between our members have enabled us to grow stronger in this adverse climate. According to an internal survey, most of our members forecast positive or stable hotel business activities up to the end of this year", stresses Jaume Tàpies, International President of Relais & Châteaux.

New Call Centres
Relais & Châteaux has seen a huge growth in Asia over the last year, highlighted by the launch of their Chinese website in May, and the launch of the 2nd Edition of the Asia Pacific Guide. Most recently, Relais & Châteaux has added two new call centres to the region allowing access to reservations for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. These new call centres are in addition to the existing ones in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney. The new call centre details are as follows:

Thailand (or other countries): + 66 2258 5060

Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (toll free): 1 800 733 2460


Website: www.relaischateaux.com or www.relaischateaux.cn

ABOUT RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries.

Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.

Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.

The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD”.