Rotorua hotel to rebrand as Holiday Inn

Rotorua's Heritage Hotel will officially rebrand as the Holiday Inn from  March 1.
Previously operated by owner Rotorua International Plaza Hotel Ltd, the 203-room hotel is expected to benefit from  the Holiday Inn brand, under the management of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
Rotorua International Plaza Hotel  Ltd director Stephen Low said the decision  came from a need to improve international recognition.

"This hotel is yet to meet its potential in terms of operating performance. Rebranding as a Holiday Inn and handing over management of the asset makes sense given IHG's management and marketing experience and resources and proven ability to attract these markets."
Heritage will become New Zealand's fifth Holiday Inn when the agreement comes into effect, joining a network of more than 1300 hotels worldwide.
The group has invested US$1 billion refreshing the brand during the past three years and IHG chief Australasian operating officer Bruce McKenzie said this would benefit the  hotel.
"It will automatically open this hotel up to new markets, both inbound and domestic. The rebranding ... couldn't come at a better time ..."