Akiriki Limited to Develop 80-room Ramada Resort Akiriki in Vanuatu on the Island of Efate
AKIRIKI, VANUATU - March 3, 2015 - Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company based on number of hotels and part of the Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN), today announced the continued rapid expansion of its Ramada® brand in the South Pacific with the signing of a franchise agreement for the waterfront 80-room Ramada Resort Akiriki in Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, on the island of Efate.
The AUD$30M development, expected to open in January 2016, is located five minutes from the heart of Port Vila and just a 10-minute drive from Bauerfield International Airport. The four-star resort is nestled on the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon, offering guests unobstructed views of the sandy white beaches and turquoise waters of Erakor Island.
The franchise announcement follows recent announcements from Wyndham Hotel Group of new Ramada resorts in Christchurch, Queenstown and Rotorua in New Zealand, as well as in Shoal Bay, New South Wales and Kooralbyn in Australia, further cementing the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the South Pacific.
Globally, the Ramada brand portfolio includes more than 830 hotels in more than 40 countries, including 12 hotels currently open and operating throughout the South Pacific.
"Our movement into Vanuatu marks another milestone in the expansion of Wyndham Hotel Group brands throughout South East Asia and the Pacific Rim, as we continue to provide guests with world-class properties and service in exciting, desirable locations," said Barry Robinson, president and managing director of Wyndham Hotel Group, South East Asia and Pacific Rim. "The addition of the beachfront Ramada Resort Akiriki will help us meet the growing demand for quality accommodations in this region's key markets, especially in tropical beach locations like Port Vila."
Currently under construction by owner Akiriki Limited, the hotel will offer studios and one- and two-bedroom suites. It will feature state-of-the-art facilities including an onsite restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, a gym and two conference rooms that will accommodate up to 140 guests.
"We are thrilled to be working with such a globally respected brand like Ramada," said Loic Bernier, director of Akiriki Limited. "This relationship makes for a positive move for us and for the region. We expect this new resort to boost business and leisure travel to the area and we anticipate that it will be very well-received by tourists and locals alike."
Ramada Resort Akiriki is located within close proximity to the area's many attractions, including stunning beaches and islands, and offers guests immediate access to an array of water sports such as snorkeling, diving and jet skiing. One of the most popular activities amongst visitors to the island of Efate is a trip to Mele Cascades, a series of beautiful waterfalls, which are only a 15-minute drive from Port Vila.
About Ramada
Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, Ramada Worldwide® is a global chain of over 830 midscale and upscale hotels. Most properties offer a wide-array of services and amenities, including but not limited to high-speed wireless internet access, on-site restaurants, lounges, room service, concierge service, meeting and banquet facilities and business centres. Properties also offer travellers the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, the brand's guest loyalty program, which can be joined for free at www.wyndhamrewards.com. The brand celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2014.
Each Ramada hotel is independently owned and operated, except for certain Ramada hotels outside of the U.S. which are managed by an affiliate. Ramada Worldwide is a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN). Reservations and information are available by visiting www.ramada.com.
About Wyndham Hotel Group
Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest hotel company based on number of hotels and is one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN). As both a leading hotel brand franchisor and hotel management services provider, the company's global portfolio consists of approximately 7,650 properties and 661,000 rooms in 70 countries under the following brands: Dolce Hotels and Resorts® (acquired February 2015), Wyndham Grand® Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Garden® Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham®, Wingate by Wyndham®, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham®, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham®, Ramada®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®. Wyndham Rewards, the company's guest loyalty program offers more than 38 million members the opportunity to earn and redeem points at thousands of hotels across the world. For more information visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
