ZUZU Hospitality grew at record pace in 2019, adding over 1,400 hotels to its portfolio under management. The Singapore-based hospitality tech startup, which provides revenue management and distribution solutions to independent hotels, is now working with over 2,000 hotel partners across eight markets in the Asia Pacific region, growing threefold since the beginning of last year.
2019 also saw ZUZU Hospitality expand its operations into Australia, Malaysia and Thailand. The hospitality tech startup more than doubled its staff to support its penetration into these markets. That growth spurt is set to continue with the formal launch of its sales offices in Vietnam today.
ZUZU Hospitality co-founder Vikram Malhi said, “We enjoyed a strong year, and our performance validates our approach. We believe in focusing on the right things, delivering meaningful value for our hotel partners, and growing responsibly.”
Senior Hires
ZUZU Hospitality has bolstered its senior leadership recently as it signals its commitment to grow. Industry veterans Jake Coleiro and Prae Wattanalapa were recruited in 2019 to head up the Australia and Thailand businesses. In November, François-Alexandre Léonard joined ZUZU Hospitality as its newly-created Head of Operations; the former McKinsey & Company consultant made the switch from Chief Operating Officer of Doctorlib, the largest digital health service in Europe. In January, ex-Marina Bay Sands and Lagardère Sports marketer Yang Minn stepped in as Head of Communications.
The company now welcomes Ho Vu Phuong Chi and Nhung Nguyen as the new Head of Sales and Country Manager respectively of its Vietnam operations. Ho and Nhung will be immediately tasked with acquiring independent hotel partners in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Hanoi.
“Between our recent hires and the staff that have been with us since the beginning, we have now assembled a strong team of leaders. We’re confident their skills and experience will continue to fuel our growth in the region,” added Malhi.
2020 Challenges & Opportunities
With the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis severely impacting tourism throughout the world, 2020 is widely expected to be a challenging year for the hospitality industry. Independent hotels, which are unable to diversify their online pipelines are among those at greatest risk. More than ever, it is vital for hoteliers to become discoverable on platforms such as Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). In light of this global crisis, the hotel industry is taking a hit, and it will take new approaches, channels and attention to untap it. ZUZU Hospitality offers these hotels hope by enabling them to access the latest technologies and skilled resources.
“Our data-driven online revenue management and distribution services are even more necessary, valuable and urgent during this period, as they can help independent hotels access new channels of demand to mitigate the losses of current travellers,” remarked Dan Lynn, ZUZU Hospitality’s co-founder.
ZUZU Hospitality is moving forward with its expansion into Vietnam despite the COVID-19 outbreak with a mission to help independent hotels in these markets overcome the present challenges.
“The revenue management technology and expertise we offer will help build the hotel’s resilience during a downturn like this. These tools used to be available only to large hotels who could afford chain hotel arrangements, but ZUZU Hospitality has leveled the playing field for everyone. Over 2,000 independent hotels across the APAC trust us to help them grow their business profitably and overcome the difficulties of the present moment. We know independent hotels in Vietnam want our help too.” added Lynn.
