Is the new strategy you announced a year ago bearing fruit?
Federico Gonzalez Tejera - We have done a lot of work. The promises of our various NH Collection, Nhow and Hesperia brands are well defined, as is our NH Meetings offer, which runs across all our hotels. And we are continuing with the renovations for which 227 million are invested. By the end of 2017, the Group will be very well positioned, with a recognised image. In terms of development, we have acquired Hoteles Royal in South America, around twenty fantastic establishments. Mexico and Brazil are among our targets. Like China where we have great opportunities to launch NH as a truly Chinese brand thanks to our shareholder HNA. They are counting on 90 establishments and we began managing eight hotels in September. However, we also have ambitions in Spain, Italy and Germany, where we already have a strong presence, as well as in France. After Lyon and Nice, we will be setting up in Marseille. We also have projects at Toulouse and Paris CDG. We're getting closer to Paris itself!
Where does the NH Collection stand today?
Federico Gonzalez Tejera - It will have 57 hotels by the end of 2015. NH Collection Eurobuilding in Madrid, Grand Place Arenberg in Brussels, Calderon in Barcelona, and soon the Krasnapolski in Amsterdam: several major hotels have begun their metamorphosis. Some, like the one in Mexico City, have gone from a slightly old-fashioned three-star to a very contemporary four-star. The spirit of this collection is to offer everything that guests have the right to expect from a five-star hotel - plus services such as a free dry-cleaning room - without changing category. For customers looking for even more exclusivity, we have launched in Madrid a VIP Level. For example, during a seminar, companies can provide accommodation for their directors. These VIP floors should appear in half of the NH Collection.
Is the Nhow lifestyle brand also one of your priorities?
Federico Gonzalez Tejera - It's a product I love. But there's no need to be in a hurry. The project must be worthwhile. These very contemporary hotels should still look new in ten years' time. I find that there are a lot of design brands that look the same. Nhow is a creative brand, not a fashion brand.
