What role does Relais & Châteaux play in the hotel industry?
Our initial concept, in 1954, was a "the road to happinessbetween Paris and the Côte d'Azur. The idea was to say: "don't take the motorways, discover the regions and their culture".. Today, this "the road to happiness has been extended to the five continents, with 500 houses where our concept of luxury is expressed. 95 % of our establishments are independent, the antithesis of standardisation. The big chains often offer top-of-the-range service, but you can find more or less the same style of room from Barcelona to New York. At Relais & Châteaux, it's the difference that unites our members.
Today you are present in 60 countries. What about tomorrow?
We're looking at Central America, but also Australia and Eastern Europe. There are some wonderful places, but there are a few problems, such as staff training. We should, however, see some fine houses coming in.
What does the 'business' segment represent in your customer base?
18 % of our business is corporate. We are launching a new marketing programme in five European countries - including France - with a hundred or so establishments meeting a charter of "seminar quality. This programme is best suited to boardroom-type meetings, in locations that are both well-connected and quiet. Another criterion is to have someone dedicated to organising the seminar.
The concept is clear. We try to offer each of our customers between three and five possible private homes where they can feel at home. A specific guide "seminars will be published to mark the occasion.
