Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 9,200 hotels and 20 brands across more than 80 countries, continues to grow its international portfolio of hotels, with plans to open 15 new hotels in Russia and neighbouring countries within the next two years. This expansion will significantly boost Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ footprint in the region, reaching 35 operational hotels and over 5,700 rooms by 2021 across a number of key markets including Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Georgia

Wyndham’s ambitious growth plan in the region will see the addition of seven new hotels and over 1,300 rooms in Georgia alone. The new openings will further grow the Company’s current presence in Tbilisi, and Batumi, with the addition of new destinations in Kutaisi and Goderdzi, including a mountain ski resort in the south of the country. Since entering Georgia in 2016 with just one hotel, Wyndham has gained strong momentum in the market, with the introduction of Wyndham Grand® and Ramada Encore® by Wyndham in Tbilisi. Overall, the Company has plans to reach 10 hotels in the next two years across a range of hotel brands and segments, including Wyndham Garden®, Ramada® and TRYP® by Wyndham, as well as the design-focused economy brand Super 8® by Wyndham.

Russia

Growth plans for Russia will see the continued expansion of the Ramada by Wyndham brand with a new hotel in Kislovodsk next year, adding to a strong portfolio of six Ramada by Wyndham hotels across the country. In addition, Wyndham will launch the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand in the market, with a new construction hotel in Yekaterinburg in 2020, and an additional opening in St. Petersburg by 2025.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Furthermore, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is continuing solid growth in Kazakhstan with the addition of two hotels in the resort village of Burabay and in the city of Shymkent in 2020. Other upcoming additions will include new hotels in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent and the historic city Bukhara.

Dimitris Manikis, President and Managing Director, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, EMEA, said:  “From thriving cities to captivating landscapes, this region provides an attractive variety of opportunities for our industry, and we are incredibly proud of our presence in these markets. With a wealth of emerging destinations yet to be discovered, and an increase in international as well as domestic arrivals, we see a lot of potential in the region. Our expansion plan is closely aligned to our vision to make hotel travel possible for all, not only to meet an increasing demand for high-quality accommodation, but also to suit any traveller’s needs, wherever and however they want to travel across the region.”

Some of the latest openings in the region include:

Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre, Kyrgyzstan – Located in Kyrgyzstan’s capital and largest city, Bishkek, the hotel opened in July 2019, marking Wyndham’s first hotel in the country. The hotel provides guest with modern accommodation in downtown Bishkek, close to the State Historical Museum and other attractions, and various facilities including three restaurants and bars.

Wyndham Grand Tbilisi, Georgia – Nestled in the city of Tbilisi with tourist and local attractions all within a short walking distance, the hotel opened in May 2019 and offers 158 stylish guest rooms and suites. It boasts five well-equipped conference spaces as well as a relaxing lounge bar and three restaurants. The hotel’s lobby features a bespoke 22-metre chandelier and ballroom with breath-taking views of city, making it an ideal space for upscale events.

Ramada by Wyndham Yerevan, Armenia – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Armenia, the hotel opened in April 2019 and is located close to Republic Square, with panoramic views of Mount Ararat and the scenic city centre of Yerevan. The 202-room hotel features four designed meeting rooms, a fitness centre, sauna and hammam.

Some of the upcoming openings in the region include:

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Yekaterinburg, Russia – The first Ramada Encore by Wyndham hotel in Russia, the hotel is expected to open in November 2020 and will be part of a mixed-use complex including a shopping mall and a multi-purpose conference centre. The 214-room hotel will provide a conference hall, a fitness centre, varied F&B outlets, a lounge area, as well as a large parking space, all in a prime location with easy access to the railway station, Yekaterinbur’s business district and its historic centre.