DELROY Howell, chairman of Ocean Chimo, has announced that the Hilton Kingston Hotel located on Knutsford Boulevard, New Kiingston is to change management. He further declared that the hotel will change its flag effective June 30, 2010 at midnight.

“We have forged a partnership with the Wyndham Group, the largest hotel group in the world to manage the property effective July 1, 2010. This is a strategic move on our part to ensure that we deliver the highest quality service to our guests and team members and ensure high returns to shareholders.” Howell believes this opportunity represents a stronger projected revenue base and heightened support from the Wyndham management group.

Delroy Howell acquired the property in 2008. Every hotel throughout the world has faced challenges in the aftermath of the financial crisis that came to light that same year. This meant occupancy levels and visitor inflows suffered. The aim now is to employ the Wyndham’s acumen to bolster occupancy levels and revenues.

Director of Ocean Chimo, Kenarthur Mitchell, speaking with Caribbean Business Report about the strategic direction of the hotel, said: “Our expectations from the partnership will be placed on service, higher occupancy as a result of being aligned with the largest hotel group and a stronger partnership with the Wyndham Group to tackle challenges faced within the travel industry and in so saying an aggressive move to ensure greater revenue streams.”

Directors of the company insist on maintaining “Brand Jamaica” in the hotel and want to ensure the use where possible of Jamaican resources and products. The renovations of the hotel should reflect this thinking. The Wyndham has expressed its desire to maintain the vision of the board as well. The cost of renovating the property in line with the board’s vision and that of the Wyndham Group is expected to be in excess of J$500 million. That will be absorbed by the property owners.

The hotel currently employs over 400 persons and has assured its staff in a recent meeting that the transition will be seamless and that all employee benefits will remain

in place.

The benefits of having an international flag for the property includes access to a wider international market and assures guests of consistent service and the standard that is renown worldwide from the Wyndham.

The parting between the Hilton Hotel Group and Ocean Chimo has been amicable. “We wish the Hilton well and thank them for their service over the period. A new opportunity has been placed before us and it is incumbent on us to ensure the greatest value for all guests, team members, bankers, business associates and shareholders of the property,” said Howell.