Interview with : Renaud Bachoffner Group Sales and Marketing Director, Laico Hotels & Resorts

How do you see competition from the big international channels coming along?

Renaud Bachoffner - Serenely. Almost all our hotels are five-star - with large capacities and spacious reception areas - located in the capitals of Mali, Rwanda, Kenya, Gabon, Gambia and Uganda. These are 'historic' establishments in Africa, and their names are already well known. All the African summits take place here, and we receive NGOs, the IMF, local governments...

Will they be able to compete with the modern establishments being opened by international groups?

R. B. - We are gradually carrying out renovations to bring them up to market standards. For example, the Lake Victoria in Entebbe has already been completely restored. Work is underway at the Maya Maya in Brazzaville and the Regency in Nairobi. This summer we will be inaugurating a third establishment in Bamako and a resort in Dar es Salaam.

Are you going to standardise your fleet?

R. B. - We want to create a Laico Hotels & Resorts identity through uniforms, quality of service and philosophy, while preserving the architectural identity of the establishments. Each hotel remains unique.