SCHAUMBURG, IL? Hostmark Hospitality Group is expanding overseas with 17 development projects in Egypt that will include the first Hostmark branded resort at Taba on the Egyptian Riveria. Scheduled to open in March 2000, the hotel will have 291 guestrooms and 15 suites. In addition, a new Hostmark regional office will open in Cairo and provide operational, sales and marketing support for all the planned properties. Franchisors of the projects are Ramada Plaza, Howard Johnson Plaza and Wyndham. The international expansion includes a master license agreement for Egypt with Cendant Global Services B.V. and Howard Johnson International. The first Howard Johnson property is slated to open by year?s end in Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Coast. Situated in an area known for scuba diving and snorkeling, the resort will have 366 guestrooms and three restaurants. Under the Cendant agreement, Hostmark will bring eight Plaza properties into the Howard Johnson System within the next five years. ?We have a long and positive association with Cendant in the United States and are very excited about the opportunity of bringing the Howard Johnson name to Egypt,? said Robert Cataldo, president/COO of Hostmark. In other news, Hostmark reported it has been successful in the turnaround of the Lake Lawn Resort in Lake Delavan, WI. Business has been up 30% almost every month during the past year at the property, according to Hostmark, with occupancy up 10% to 20%, depending on the month. Oaktree Capital Management took over the resort in 1996 and awarded the management contract to Hostmark. A $10 million renovation was undertaken at the 284-room golf resort. Business amenities were added and meeting rooms were redesigned to have more appeal for corporate clients. Meeting area improvements included a new sound system and audio/visual equipment plus the addition of pre-function reception areas. The conference center now offers computers, modems, fax machines and copiers. The sales staff was also reorganized in order to offer conference services. Other changes included the addition of a lakeside golf driving range, paved golf cart paths, health club and spa facilities. The 275-acre resort features an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, tennis, softball, basketball, marina, stable, petting zoo and private airport. Situated on Delavan Lake, it is eight minutes from Lake Geneva, WI. Hostmark Hospitality Group operates more than 41 hotels and resorts worldwide.
