Starwood integrates Le Méridien meetings

Le Méridien's Moments Meetings programme has been integrated into the Starwood Preferred Planner and members can earn and transfer points accordingly. There are no changes otherwise. "US hospitality chains like Starwood have a reputation in Asia for their abilities in infrastructure building, marketing and service, while their European counterparts are associated with the finer things in life, such as art and culture," said Yeo Hwee Peng, corporate communications manager, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts. "Le Méridien is a wellknown luxury brand with a loyal following and a strong European heritage. "At a time when we are looking to expand to more countries, the brand is a great fit. She added: "It has a presence in exotic destinations like the South Pacific and Nepal, as well as emerging destinations such as India. "The 120 Le Méridien hotels are easily absorbed within Starwood's established distribution channels and existing infrastructure." According to Starwood, there is capacity to handle even more hotels and resorts, and plans are underway to grow the group further. The Le Méridien acquisition has doubled Starwood's number of hotels in the region and given it a firm foothold in India. In February, Starwood set up a new regional office in India. Over the next few months, the group will roll out a series of brand initiatives to strengthen each of its eight brands.