New Ramada hotel being built in Christchurch

A drawing of the new Wyndham Hotel Group in Christchurch.

Wyndham Hotel Group will introduce a new brand - Ramada Encore - to New Zealand in its new hotel in Christchurch.

The hotel company says it wants to broaden its portfolio in the country.

The 88-room Ramada Encore Christchurch Colombo Street is being developed under a franchise agreement with Lepdon Holdings and is due to be finished late this year. Once finished, it will bring Wyndham's portfolio in New Zealand to nine hotels and resorts spanning 446 rooms.

The $15 million Christchurch development is near heritage and tourist attractions in the city which is recovering from the devastating 2011 earthquake.

Among Wyndham's other hotels are the Ramada Suites Albany, Ramada Suites Federal Street, Auckland and Ramada Suites in Christchurch City.

The company is also building the 86-room Wyndham Garden Hobson Street Auckland.

The Wyndham Hotel Group Southeast Asia and Pacific Rim president and managing director, Barry Robinson, said this development signified the company's aim to have a diverse presence in all New Zealand's major cities.

"Wyndham Hotel Group has achieved outstanding portfolio growth in New Zealand in the past two years, going from five hotels and resorts to nine existing or planned properties, with more on the way."

Robinson said the hotel would appeal to "savvy" domestic and international travellers alike through its modern features such as vibrant social spaces, contemporary bathrooms, wooden floors and bright colours.

The managing director of franchisee Lepdon Holdings, Erin Hindmarsh, said the hotel would have a positive impact on Christchurch, including the employment of at least 12 staff once it was operational.

"This will be a significant development for Christchurch that will not just benefit travellers, but also those working in the food and beverage industry," she said.

Throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotel Group has more than 100 hotels operating under its Ramada and Wyndham brands.

The new Christchurch hotel will go some way to help ease a nationwide hotel shortage. But New Zealand Trade and Enterprise estimates there will be a shortfall in new hotel rooms of up to 4526 in tourism centres by 2025, over and above new hotels now planned.