CPG Hotel Group has such faith in the the domestic tourism industry, it is forging ahead with the launch of a new luxury boutique hotel brand

As the country’s largest privately-owned hotel group, CPG Hotels, like the rest of the tourism sector, has experienced less than full occupancy rates and had to reduce its services and dining arm during Levels 4 and 3 of the Covid-19 nationwide lockdown.

It also meant the group, owned by the Auckland-based Pandey family, had to press pause on the creation and launch of a bold new luxury boutique hotel brand with a projected investment of $100m. The plan to relaunch six hotels nationwide in Dunedin, Christchurch, Picton, Wellington and Auckland within 18 months from now is already well advanced.

However, the projected losses as a result of the pandemic has not dented the confidence of CPG Hotel head Prakash Pandey in the New Zealand economy. The group is putting the finishing touches on the transformation of Dunedin’s heritage Wains Hotel into luxury boutique five-star accommodation, opening in October.

“We resumed the refit and relaunch of Wains with renewed focus as soon as we were able. We are also adding to our property portfolio. We want to do our bit in part to help with the country’s economic recovery and aim to buy from within and source from local suppliers. We’re not looking anywhere offshore for the foreseeable future,” says Prakash Pandey.

The group has also fast-tracked another redevelopment of the central Auckland backpackers Fat Camel on Fort Street into a premium boutique hotel. The hotel, which will epitomise affordable luxury and an opportunity for guests to stay their way will open later this year. In fact, confidence in the emergence of the strong domestic tourism market makes the progressive purchase earlier this year of a beautifully turned out Grey Lynn manor house, that has been transformed into a true five-star boutique experience, more than a happy coincidence.

“The new boutique brand will bring next-level luxury to the domestic market. We want to become leaders in delivering the perfect experience that flawlessly integrates the latest technology with impeccable service and modern luxury.”

The group’s Fable Auckland was in the news late last year for winning the prestigious World’s Best New Hotel in the Boutique Hotel Awards from more than 300 entries across 80 countries.