T.H.C. not 'actively’ seeking Chch hotel

Press, 23 August 1984, Page 27

T.H.C. not 'actively’ seeking Chch hotel

PA Wellington The Tourist Hotel Corporation is not actively seeking management contracts for hotels in Auckland and Christchurch, the chief executive, Mr Michael Hoy, has said. The corporation was given Government approval on Monday to negotiate a management contract with the board of Wellington’s James Cook Hotel. Mr Hoy has previously sought Government approval for management contracts for hotels in main centres. The corporation has sought access to Gateway hotels to strengthen its mar-

keting and financial base. It wanted to be able to accommodate travellers in corporation hotels throughout their stay in New Zealand, Mr Hoy said the corporation was not discounting the possibility of similar deals in Auckland and Christchurch. “We would look at any offers,” he said. “But we are not actively seeking any. “It is obvious that Gateway hotels would greatly aid the chain to maximise available plant throughout New Zealand.” The corporation is still heavily involved in improv-

ing existing hotels. At the Hermitage, Mount Cook, the hotel’s lounges and restaurants will be improved and a new 44-room wing, with all rooms having a view of Mount Cook, built. About $l3 million has been set aside for that project. Previous corporation approaches to the Government for approval to enter into main centre hotel management contracts have been refused. The National Government policy was not to encourage State-owned corporations to compete against private enterprise hotel chains.