Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has established an office in Sydney as the upmarket global accommodation representation group amplifies a direct presence Down Under. The move to enhance SLH’s presence in Australia and New Zealand will see the 11 year partnership with The Unique Tourism Collection (UTC) draw to a close at the end of this month, on 31 August 2024.
“As a leading player in the luxury hotel sector, their commitment to these regions has never been stronger,” UTC said in an update to trade partners.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support and dedication provided over the past years,” said SLH’s Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific on the long-term association with UTC in the region.
“Led by Jonica Paramor, UTC’s contribution has been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts”.
Over the past two and a half years, SLH has significantly expanded its footprint in Australia and New Zealand. These markets have become top priorities for SLH, and their investment reflects their dedication to offering unparalleled luxury experiences.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World has opened a new office located at Pitt Street in Sydney’s CBD.
“This new hub is designed to be a welcoming space for their partners and clients,” UTC said. Trade partners are invited to visit and engage with the team and discuss how they can work together to create unforgettable experiences for your clients.
The local SLH team is headed up by Mariano Porcelli as Head of Reservations Worldwide & Area Manager (for Australia and New Zealand). Porcelli is the “driving force behind the Australian operations,” UTC said. Mariano orchestrates all activities in cooperation with the SLH Singapore Team and ensures that the expansion is both strategic and successful.
“His role is critical in steering the expansion and ensuring success in the market”
Yuuko Li is the new Sales Manager, Australia & New Zealand, dedicated to fostering relationships with travel agencies. Li was most recently Crown Resort’s Gaming VIP Sales & Marketing, Domestic. She is the contact for any sales enquiries.
Jack Willis has joined SLH as the VIP Reservations Executive. Willis will assist with all booking needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for agents and clients.
The contact details for Porcelli, Li and Willis are on the following email addresses: mariano.porcelli@slh.com; yuuko.li@slh.com and for Willis, Vipdesk@slh.com.
Crystal Davies has taken on the role of Senior Revenue Account Manager and is responsible for all matters related to hotel relationships. Her expertise ensures that SLH partner hotels receive the support they need to thrive.
Jonica Paramor, Managing Director of The Unique Tourism Collection said: “We have been extremely proud to represent SLH in Australia and New Zealand for the last 11 years and proud of the growth we have achieved and the brand loyalty that has been established together with you, our travel trade partners.
“Thank you for your continued support and partnership,” Paramor concluded.
In recent months, hundreds of SLH properties were admitted into the Hilton Honors loyalty program as part of a new alliance with Hilton. Additionally, outdoor accommodation specialist Under Canvas added 10 of its tented camps in US National Parks to the SLH portfolio.
SLH also introduced the ‘Finest Collection’ – a new portfolio of properties that are “the best examples of an SLH hotel member,” Wong explained to LATTE in Singapore at ILTM Asia Pacific.
Those new paths of expansion complement a strategic partnership with Ovolo Hotels that SLH struck in February to increase awareness of the brand to a wider global audience.
