First Hotels - Press releases

Press releases

The latest news from FIRST HOTELS is available in our pressroom where you can also download press images and access press releases.

Work P: +47 23 11 60 70

Fax F: +47 23 11 60 99

3/11/2011

First Hotels and Nordic Choice Hotels embark on strategic hotel collaboration in Denmark

As of 1 April 2011, First Hotels will be taking over operation of the Nordic Choice hotels in Denmark. The Nordic Choice hotels will then continue in Denmark as franchises. The agreement lays a solid foundation for the further development of the company’s hotel operations in Denmark.

“We have not achieved the benefits of scale we require to develop our Danish hotels, so it was only natural to find a solution like the one we have now established. First Hotels has an established customer base and a presence that makes it possible to exploit synergies and boost hotel operations. Nordic Choice will continue to be represented in Denmark through franchise activities,” explains Torgeir Silseth, CEO of Nordic Choice Hotels.

Since it was founded in 1993, First Hotels has expanded its activities through acquisitions and new establishments. The chain currently operates 46 hotels in Scandinavia. Six of these are located in Denmark, where First Hotels has been awarded the title of “Best Hotel Chain” in the country four times in succession – most recently in 2010. That same year, First Hotels Skt. Petri in Copenhagen was named one of the best business hotels in Europe and the best in the Nordic region.

“We already have a solid operation in Denmark, which we are now reinforcing even further. Both parties are very satisfied with this agreement,” says Asmund Haare, owner and Chairman of the board of First Hotels.

The agreement that has now been concluded with Nordic Choice Hotels covers a total of 12 hotels, 10 of which are located in the Greater Copenhagen Area.

“This will make First Hotels the largest hotel operator in the Danish capital and provide us with unique presence in Denmark – particularly in Copenhagen. We aim to meet the market with a broad range of quality hotels, and the current agreement will provide both Nordic Choice and First customers with many more options in Denmark.”

“The size of our operation will also open up exciting career opportunities and many more options for Choice employees,” stresses Helge Krogsbøl, CEO of First Hotels.

Nordic Choice made a serious move into the Danish market in 2000 through the purchase of the hotels that were being run by the Nordisk Hotel Group. After 11 years in Denmark, Nordic Choice has now decided to focus on the markets of Sweden and Norway, which account for almost 95 per cent of the company’s turnover.

“We originally took the initiative to purchase First Hotels’ operations in Denmark. As this did not generate the results we expected, we decided to sell the operative section of our Danish business to First Hotels. Over the coming years, we will be concentrating on the largest and most spectacular hotels in Northern Europe: the hotels in Trondheim, Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg,” explains Petter A. Stordalen, owner and Chairman of the board of Nordic Choice Hotels.

The agreement is to come into effect on 1 April 2011.

For additional information, please contact:

Asmund Haare, owner and Chairman of the board of First Hotels

Tel. +47 975 77 181

Petter A. Stordalen, owner and Chairman of the board of Nordic Choice Hotels

Tel. +47 950 39 755

The hotels:

Hotel	Location	Rooms
Clarion Collection Hotel Twentyseven	Copenhagen	200
Clarion Collection Hotel Mayfair	Copenhagen	106
Clarion Collection Hotel Neptun	Copenhagen	133
Clarion Hotel Copenhagen	Copenhagen	170
Comfort Hotel Atlantic	Aarhus	102
Comfort Hotel Excelsior	Copenhagen	100
Comfort Hotel Esplanaden	Copenhagen	117
Comfort Hotel G	Copenhagen	80
Comfort Hotel Xpress	Copenhagen	170
Quality Hotel Høje Taastrup	Copenhagen	154
Quality Hotel Marina	Copenhagen	126
Quality Hotel Aalborg	Aalborg	168

10/8/2010

First Hotels once again rated as Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain

Yesterday evening, Norwegian-owned hotel chain First Hotels was once again awarded the title as Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain at the Danish Travel Awards. The event marked the fifteenth time that leading players within the travel industry were honoured. First Hotels has won the top rating within the coveted category four times, in 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2005.

Each year staff members of more than 800 Danish travel operators honour the best hospitality providers within the industry. In a close race with other hotel chains, First Hotels was once again selected as Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain.

“Naturally we are very pleased to once again be awarded this accolade. Having been selected for the fourth consecutive year and for the fifth time just goes to prove that we are doing things right. Indeed, half of our Danish hotels were nominated in the Best Hotel categories. First Hotel Skt. Petri and First Hotel Vesterbro were nominated as Best Hotels in the Danish capital and First Hotel Grand in Odense was once again nominated as Best Hotel outside the capital. Furthermore, it is especially pleasing that Lisbeth Simonsen has for the fourth consecutive year been selected as Denmark’s Best Salesperson within the travel industry. An amazing achievement that we are very proud of,” explains Michael Telling, President of First Hotels.

“That the industry recognises our positive contribution in relation to other hotel chains means a lot to us. We are humbled by the trust the industry has invested in us and I would therefore like to thank you all for the votes that First Hotels has received. Most of all it is an award that recognises the dedication of all our highly professional staff and the welcoming and attentive guest experience they provide,” states Michael Telling.

The Danish Travel Awards is an annual event where travel industry staff members honour the best hospitality providers within different categories. More than 350 invited guests were present at the event, which took place in Copenhagen on 7 October 2010.

First Hotel Skt. Petri was incidentally recently rated as Scandinavia’s Best Business Hotel by CNBusiness.

For further information and images, please contact:
Michael Telling, President, First Hotels, T: +47 484 04 472, e:
Trine Hoel Winther, Communication & PR Manager, First Hotels T: +47 950 25 000, e:

About First Hotels
First Hotels is one of Scandinavia’s leading hotel chains with 47 unique hotels centrally located in selected cities in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Among the hotels you find the five-starred hotels First Hotel Grims Grenka in Oslo, First Hotel Reisen in Stockholm and the award-winning First Hotel Skt. Petri in Copenhagen. First Hotels was established in 1993. The chain has since expanded through acquisition and construction of new hotels. First Hotels aims to offer quality guest experience and individual choice. All hotels are unique in style, atmosphere and design. First Hotels is the first Scandinavian hotel chain to commit itself to the UN Global Compact.
9/24/2010

First Hotel Skt. Petri kåret til Skandinavias beste business hotell

CNBC Business har kåret Europas beste forretningshoteller. Den norskeide hotellkjeden First Hotels fikk sjetteplass med sitt First Hotel Skt. Petri i København. Det danske hotellet er helt på topp både for business og pleasure. Lekker design, god service, god plassering og en livlig coctailbar var utslagsgivende i den harde konkurransen.

Design, plassering og cocktailbar
I CNBC Business sin kåring av Europas 25 beste business hoteller har de plassert First Hotel Skt. Petri på sjetteplass og dermed best i Skandinavia. CNBC Business har lagt vekt på at gjestene får en god serviceopplevelse på et lekkert designhotell. Sentral plassering, en uformelle restaurant og en livlig coctailbar har også vært avgjørende faktorer.

First Hotel Skt. Petri er et femstjernes designhotell, og det eneste danske medlemet av Design Hotels

- Det er en stor ære at First Hotels Skt. Petri er det beste business hotellet i Skandinavia. Det er jo ikke hver dag at et skandinavisk hotell blir valgt till ett av Europas beste. Jeg tror den gode plasseringen i CNBS Business sin kåring blant annet kommer av vår sterke merkevare, det at vi tør gjøre ting annerledes, og frem for alt at vi fokuserer på å optimere gjesteopplevelsen, forteller Michael Telling, Konserndirektør i First Hotels.

CNBC Business har i år valg å ekskludere hoteller som tar seg betalt for internett, og som ikke tilbyr gratis flaskevann på rommet. De forretningsreisende blir mer og mer krevende, noe som reflekteres i undersøkelsen. God design er fortsatt i fokus, men ikke for en hver pris - det skal være funksjonelt, og ikke bare elegant.

For ytterligere informasjon og bilder, kontakt: Michael Telling, President, First Hotels, t: 484 04 472, e: Trine Hoel Winther, Communication & PR Manager, First Hotels t: 950 25 000, e:
8/9/2010

First Hotels koncentrerar hotellverksamhet i Malmö till First Hotel Jörgen Kock

Hotellkedjan First Hotels koncentrerar sin hotellverksamhet i Malmö till First Hotel Jörgen Kock, som nyligen genomgått en omfattande renovering. Det innebär att First Hotels avslutar verksamheten på First Hotel Garden i Malmö från och med den 31 december 2010.

First Hotels har nyligen renoverat First Hotel Jörgen Kocks samtliga 105 rum för att ge såväl affärsresenärer som privatgäster högsta komfort och bekvämlighet när de gästar hotellet, som ligger bara 200 meter från Malmö centralstation.

First Hotels har nyligen renoverat First Hotel Jörgen Kocks samtliga 105 rum för att ge såväl affärsresenärer som privatgäster högsta komfort och bekvämlighet när de gästar hotellet, som ligger bara 200 meter från Malmö centralstation.

- Vi har inte kommit överrens i förhandlingarna om ett nytt hyreskontrakt med fastighetsägaren och beslutet är givetvis ett väldigt tråkigt besked för våra medarbetare på First Hotel Garden. Vi kommer att göra allt som är möjligt för att de ska kunna erbjudas andra jobb inom koncernen, säger Michael Telling, vd på First Hotels.

– Samtidigt är jag övertygad om att vi med nyrenoverade First Hotel Jörgen Kock behåller vår starka ställning i Malmö. Hotellet erbjuder våra gäster en av Malmös attraktivaste vistelser med närhet till nöjes- och shoppingutbud och snabb transport via tågstationen till Köpenhamn och närliggande flygplatser, säger Michael Telling.

First Hotels har under de senaste åren renoverat flera av sina hotell, och det senaste att bli färdigrenoverat är First Hotel Kong Frederik i Köpenhamn. Nyligen blev också designhotellet Avalon i Göteborg ett hotell inom First Hotels-kedjan och under 2011 öppnar First Hotels ett nytt hotell vid Bergen Airport i Norge.

För mer information vänligen kontakta:
Michael Telling, vd för First Hotels
Telefon: + 47 2311 6070
E-post:

Om First Hotels:
First Hotels är en av Skandinaviens ledande hotellkedjor med 47 unika hotell i centralt läge i utvalda städer i Norge, Danmark och Sverige. Bland hotellen återfinns det prisbelönta First Hotel Grims Grenka i Oslo, First Hotel Reisen i Stockholm och First Hotel Skt. Petri i Köpenhamn samt det erkända designhotellet Avalon i Göteborg.
First Hotels etablerades 1993 och omfattade till en början sex hotell i Sverige. Kedjan har sedan växt genom förvärv av befintliga hotell samt etablering av helt nya.
First Hotels målsättning är att erbjuda kvalitetsupplevelser och individuella val. Alla hotell i First Hotels är unika när det gäller stil, atmosfär och inredning.
www.firsthotels.se
3/12/2010

“GHA DISCOVERY” TO UNITE TWELVE BRANDS UNDER ONE SCHEME; EMPHASIS ON RECOGNITION AND LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Geneva, 10th March 2010. Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) today released the
first details of the launch of its multi-brand loyalty programme in spring
2010, which will be the first of its kind in the industry.

Using a sophisticated customer relationship management (CRM) system,
specially customised for multiple brands by its technology partner Micros-
Fidelio, GHA has created “GHA Discovery”, an innovative loyalty
programme, which will enable their customers to receive enhanced
service and recognition, while earning experience-based awards across
all of its twelve brands and nearly 300 hotels.

Modelled on the airline alliances’ successful philosophy of providing
reward and recognition across multiple brands, GHA will enable
customers’ membership status and personal preferences to be recognised
in all hotels, regardless of the brand they choose.

GHA’s CEO Chris Hartley is enthusiastic about the programme’s potential:
“we’ve studied closely the airline alliance loyalty model, we’ve done
extensive customer research; and we’ve established that there is a great
opportunity for our independent, regional hotel brands to offer a richer
and more exciting programme to customers than those currently
available. Today, customers are looking for greater value for their money,
as well as personal recognition and they want to feel that they’ve
experienced something unique when they travel. Our programme is going
to address these three core expectations.”

Hartley believes that it is recognition that will be one of the keys to GHA
Discovery’s success. “Anyone can launch a loyalty programme, but if you
don’t recognise the customer when he checks in, or you don’t know his
personal preferences, you’ve fallen at the first hurdle. We’ve put five years
of work into creating a multi-brand technology platform, and we’re
convinced that this will make the difference as our alliance now becomes
consumer-facing.”

Beyond technology though, GHA Discovery is offering the component that
so many customers say they miss in today’s commoditised hotel loyalty
environment. Folker Heim, GHA’s Director of Loyalty Marketing, explains
“we are going back to the basic idea of travel being about experiencing
something different. GHA Discovery is going to offer amazing ‘Local
Experiences’ as its awards, rather than a free night somewhere you may
not even want to go. Customers will get their airline miles in all of our
hotels, because that’s their preferred loyalty currency, but beyond that
we’ll be offering something that money can’t easily buy.”

GHA hotel staff have spent the last few months, as part of a cross-alliance
on-line community, compiling a database of ‘Local Experiences’ and will
offer customers a choice of over 1,000 aspirational activities around the
world.

“The wealth of awards that we will be offering is quite staggering”,
enthuses Heim: “you could choose a safari with a National Geographic
photographer, a back-stage tour of a West-End musical, or even to be
part of the audience at one of Oprah’s last shows, there is really something
to suit everybody’s taste and fire their imagination. For members of GHA
Discovery, just looking through our list of Local Experiences will be
inspirational in itself.”

GHA Discovery will launch across all twelve member brands from May
2010.

DOWNLOAD PM

About Global Hotel Alliance
Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world’s
largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common
technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost
savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service
to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises of Anantara, First,
Kempinski, Leela, Mirvac, Marco Polo, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL,
Shaza, The Doyle Collection and Tivoli, encompassing nearly 300 upscale
and luxury hotels with over 65,000 rooms across 48 different countries.

For further information, please contact:
Irina Zakharova, Global Hotel Alliance, Geneva
www.gha.com
2/2/2010

Tivoli Victoria elected by trip advisor as best hotel in Europe in the category of Relax & Spa

The Tivoli Victoria has been voted one of the best international hotels after figuring among the winners of Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2010 Awards, the largest source of unbiased hotel reviews in the world. In the category of Relaxation/Spa, the hotel took 1st place in the TOP 10 in Europe and was 4th in the TOP 10 internationally.

Trip Advisor has the largest community of travellers in the world with more than 25 million visitors a month. Winners are chosen through a combination of the highest classifications from travellers and the Trip Advisor popularity index, a measure of overall satisfaction.

"This award is recognition of the dedication of our staff who are always ready to deal with all guest needs and also as a result of the excellent quality of service provided by the hotel. It is also a reason for particular pride for Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, for the Algarve and for Portugal", stated Mário Candeias, general director of the Tivoli Victoria.

The Tivoli Victoria is the first property in the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts chain which has been purpose built from the ground up. The hotel opened to the public in March 2009 and has already notched up numerous important awards. Last week it was the winner of the Portuguese Tourism Board award in the category of Best New Private Project and in September 2009 it won the award for Best Real Estate Project in the category of Tourism, at the "SIL National Real Estate Awards 2009".

Inspired by concepts of timelessness and style, the hotel has been designed to meet the needs of the most demanding of guests in the golf, leisure and meetings and events segments. It also enjoys a privileged location in Vilamoura overlooking the Victoria Golf Course.

The Tivoli Victoria also has an Elements Spa by Banyan Tree, a Spa concept based on pure luxury in the best oriental tradition. Covering approximately 1,200 m2 the spa has an indoor treatment pool (vitality pool) with a panoramic view over the sea. The extensive facilities include sauna, Jacuzzi, hydro-massage, seven treatment rooms and relaxation areas, all decorated in a style of true Asian luxury. In order to ensure the quality of service, all therapists are fully trained at the Banyan Tree Spas in Thailand and most are Thai nationality.

Of special note also is the EMO restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. With a menu designed by our executive chef and in a contemporary atmosphere with a minimalist touch you’ll definitely want to enjoy some stimulating table conversation while you embark on a delicious adventure of the best in wining and dining. Serving traditional but contemporary and more daring Portuguese cuisine, which is above all healthy and where the natural tastes and aromas are preserved through gentle seasoning and subtle low-temperature cooking. The art of Adelina Lopes with “Unusual Objects”, Portuguese Blue Tiles, together with the surprising design of the FLOS chandeliers are also ingredients which contribute to the special and inspiring atmosphere which makes EMO an experience to be lived. A restaurant for real EMOtions.

DOWNLOAD PM

About Tivoli Hotels & Resorts
The Tivoli Hotels & Resorts chain is part of Espírito Santo Hotels and currently operates 13 properties in Portugal and 2 in Brazil. With over 75 years of experience, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts differentiates through the range of unique experiences offered to guests and its innovative and excellent service. In Brazil, the Tivoli São Paulo – Mofarrej stands out for its luxury and style, while the Tivoli Eco Resort Praia do Forte is a clear reference point in Brazilian hotels.

Tivoli is a member of Global Hotel Alliance. Based on the airline alliance model,Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises of Anantara, Doyle Collection,First, Kempinski, Leela, Marco Polo, Mirvac, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Shaza and Tivoli encompassing over 260 upscale and luxury hotels with 60,000 rooms across 47 different countries.

For further information, please contact:
Andrea Granja
Tel.: +351 213 932 677

www.tivolihotels.com
2/2/2010

Mirvac // Quay Grand Suites Sydney Voted Best Luxury Hotel

Quay Grand Suites Sydney has been named the South Pacific’s Best Luxury Hotel in the Trip Adviser 2010 Travelers’ Choice Awards AND also voted one of the top 5 Luxury Hotels of the World!

The eighth annual competition has been the largest ever, and unlike any other hotel awards program in the world, the winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions on tripadvisor.com.

“Receiving this recognition from our guests demonstrates that Quay Grand has set a new benchmark for a 5-star hotel experience which is truly unique. From the impressive service to the impeccable facilities, this hotel is the epitome of luxury and the flagship property in the Mirvac portfolio,” said General Manager, Paul Donnelly.

Set majestically on the eastern shore of Circular Quay, Quay Grand is an apartment style hotel boasting spectacular views over Sydney Harbour and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

With the choice of 1 and 2 bedroom self contained apartments, guests enjoy the convenience of separate lounge, dining and bedroom, fully equipped gourmet kitchen and integrated laundry, bathroom with spa bath and opening windows.

In Quadrant Restaurant, Executive Chef Ross Barrett serves a distinctive Australian style menu with Mediterranean, Asian and French influences. Or for casual elegance, ECQ Bar is sun-drenched by day and cosmopolitan by night and features a range of creative cocktails, superb wines and casual dining overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Set in the midst of Sydney's key attractions, Quay Grand is only moments away from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Opera House, and Sydney’s financial district and shopping precincts.

Quay Grand Suites Sydney is the pinnacle of Mirvac quality. The hotel is part of the Mirvac group of over 45 hotels and resorts in Australia and New Zealand, under such well known brands as Quay West Apartments & Resorts, The Como, Sea Temple Resorts & Spas, Sydney Marriott Hotel, The Sebel Hotels & Resorts, Citigate Hotels, Cairns Harbour Lights, Hotel Lindrum, Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney, and of course Quay Grand.

DOWNLOAD PM

For more information, please contact:
Katrina Moutia, Assistant Communications Manager, Mirvac Hotels & Resorts
T +61 2 9080 8313

ABOUT MIRVAC HOTELS & RESORTS
Mirvac Hotels & Resorts is part of the Mirvac Group, a leading integrated real estate group, listed on the ASX with activities across the investment and development spectrum. Established in 1972, Mirvac has more than 38 years experience in the real estate industry and has an unmatched reputation for delivering quality products and services across all of its businesses.

Mirvac is a member of Global Hotel Alliance. Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises of Anantara, Doyle Collection, First, Kempinski, Leela, Marco Polo, Mirvac, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Shaza and Tivoli encompassing over 260 upscale and luxury hotels with 60,000 rooms across 47 different countries.
1/20/2010

Mirvac Hotels & Resorts joins Global Hotel Alliance;One of the region’s premier independent brands brings extensive coverage of Australia and New Zealand

Geneva, 18th January 2010; During its bi-annual CEO Committee meeting in
Bangkok, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) announced the addition of Mirvac Hotels &
Resorts as its newest member brand, thereby extending the alliance’s reach to
Australia and New Zealand.

With an outstanding portfolio of 45+ hotels and resorts, Mirvac offers the choice of
beachside resorts, rural retreats, exceptional CBD positions and superb conference
venues, located in some of the most beautiful settings in Australia and New
Zealand.

Renowned for its uncompromising level of service and attention to detail, Mirvac
Hotels & Resorts manages such well known brands as Quay Grand, Quay West
Apartments & Resorts, The Como, Citigate Hotels, Cairns Harbour Lights, Sea
Temple Resorts & Spas, The Sebel Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Lindrum and Harbour
Rocks Hotel Sydney; ten Day Spas and four Golf Courses, making it one of the
largest Australian-owned hotel groups.

GHA’s CEO, Chris Hartley, is thrilled to have Mirvac Hotels & Resorts join GHA:
“Mirvac is the perfect brand for GHA to enter Australia and New Zealand. For
some time, we were looking for a strong brand to cover the region, and we have
certainly found the ideal partner.

And Hartley is particularly enthusiastic about the sudden surge in new members:
“Mirvac Hotels & Resorts is now the third new member to join GHA in the last few
weeks (after First Hotels and Tivoli Hotels & Resorts); and although we have always believed that GHA is a compelling business model for independent brands, we are delighted to see our vision starting to take shape with so many great brands now joining the alliance and, from our customers’ perspective, with the launch of GHA’s multi-brand loyalty programme later in the year.”
Mirvac Hotels & Resorts CEO, Andrew Turner, believes membership of GHA is the
best way for his portfolio of hotels to gain new, international customers cost
effectively. “Most of Mirvac Hotels & Resorts customer base comes from our own
domestic markets, even though Australia and New Zealand are extremely popular destinations, especially for international leisure travel. GHA gives us the chance to compete with the mega-brands for that international business and gain a fair share for our hotels, by offering the brand recognition and distribution power that the big players have,” Mr Turner said.

DOWNLOAD PM

About Global Hotel Alliance
Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest
alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform to
drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises of Anantara, Doyle Collection, First Hotels, Kempinski, Leela, Marco Polo, Mirvac, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Shaza and Tivoli encompassing 265 upscale and luxury hotels with over 60,000 rooms across 47 different countries. www.gha.com

For further information, please contact: Global Hotel Alliance, Geneva

About Mirvac Hotels & Resorts
Mirvac Hotels & Resorts are renowned for an uncompromising level of service and
attention to detail and have approximately 5,500 rooms under management
across 45+ properties in Australia and New Zealand, making it one of the largest
Australian-owned hotel groups. Mirvac Hotels & Resorts is part of the Mirvac Group, a leading ASX-listed, and integrated real estate group with activities across the realestate investment and development spectrum. Established in 1972, Mirvac has more than 37 years experience in the real estate industry and has an unmatched reputation for delivering quality products and services across all of its businesses. www.mirvachotels.com
1/19/2010

First Hotels is building a new, modern conference hotel at Bergen Airport Flesland. The hotel will be completed during the course of 2012.

– Construction of the First Hotel Flesland in Bergen represents the first step in a new and exciting period of growth for First Hotels. Within walking distance of the terminal building at Flesland, First Hotel Flesland will be one of the most modern and effective meeting places in Norway, says Simen Haare, VP Business Development at First Hotels.

Ready for the opening of the ‘new’ Flesland
Building work is planned to commence around the beginning of 2011. The First Hotel Flesland will offer large and modern conference facilities with a capacity of up to 700 persons, together with 248 rooms spread over approximately 12,000 square metres. In addition, the hotel will have its own restaurant and fitness centre, as well as a parking facility. The hotel is scheduled for completion during the course of 2012, in good time for the opening of the new airport terminal at Flesland in 2013.

– The business and travel sectors in Bergen and Western Norway are currently experiencing growth and we believe that this positive development will provide further impetus when the new terminal building is in place in 2013. The need for meeting places, conference facilities and accommodation in immediate proximity to the airport will increase as air traffic to and from Bergen grows, says Simen Haare.

‘Natural’ architecture
First Hotels has used the elegant and popular First Hotel G in Gothenburg as a reference for First Hotel Flesland. The exciting architecture of the new hotel at Flesland will be inspired by the ambient nature. The hotel and surrounding area will be characterised by large, spacious glass surfaces, together with wood and stone features. The consultant architects are Halvorsen & Reine AS.

BGO Bygg AS are the owners of the new development at Flesland and Stephane Bergfald Trotta, the owner’s representative, is extremely pleased that First Hotels will be operating the hotel and is looking forward to a successful partnership. Betonmast Bygg will be the project’s main contractor. First Hotels is previously represented in Bergen town centre by the classic First Hotel Marin at Bryggen.

DOWNLOAD PM

For further information, please contact:
Simen Haare, VP Business Development: +47 41 57 70 40
Thomas Alnes Aakvik, First Hotel’s Marketing Director: +47 95 11 86 26
1/6/2010

Global Hotel Alliance welcomes Tivoli Hotels & Resorts as its latest member; Enters Portugal & Brazil with highly reputed regional brand

Geneva, 4th January 2010; Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is delighted to start 2010 bywelcoming Tivoli Hotels & Resorts as their latest member, as the rapidly-growing alliance now extends its reach to include two important new markets, Portugal & Brazil, with one of the regions’ most respected brands.

Founded in 1933, Tivoli owns and operates some of Portugal’s most reputed hotels
in locations such as Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, the Algarve and Madeira. In 2006 they have expanded into Brazil, with a luxury resort in Praia do Forte in Bahia and more recently with a landmark hotel in Sao Paulo.

GHA’s CEO, Chris Hartley, says Tivoli’s membership is a critical step in GHA’s growth plans, and underlines how the alliance’s business model is gaining recognition as the ideal solution for independent hotel brands. “Not only is Tivoli a great brand, with some outstanding hotels, but Tivoli gives GHA its first foot-print in South America, in that continent’s most important emerging market, as well as giving excellent coverage of Portugal, as we strengthen our position in Europe’’.
Hartley adds, “2010 was always going to be a landmark year for GHA with the
creation of our multi-brand loyalty programme, but the addition of Tivoli gives us extra momentum, as we prepare to launch our first consumer-facing product.”
For Alexandre Solleiro, Tivoli’s Chief Operating Officer, Tivoli joining GHA is a big step to gaining international recognition for the brand. “We already have a strong, loyal customer base in Portugal and Brazil, but GHA will give us access to markets, such as the US, the UK, Germany and Scandinavia, which are critical to our hotels’ success, but which are expensive to reach on our own. We are especially excited about the pending launch of the GHA loyalty programme, which will enable us to communicate with over a million loyal customers of GHA’s members across the globe, giving us incremental revenue opportunities and greater recognition for our brand.”

About Global Hotel Alliance
Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest
alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform to
drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises of Anantara, Doyle Collection, First, Kempinski, Leela, Marco Polo, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Shaza and Tivoli encompassing 223 upscale and luxury hotels with 55,000 rooms across 45 different countries.
www.gha.com

For further information, please contact:
Global Hotel Alliance, Geneva

About Tivoli Hotels & Resorts
With 13 properties around Portugal and 2 in Brazil, the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts group is one of the main hotel chains in Portugal, providing accommodation through approximately 3,600 rooms in the four and five star categories. The Tivoli Group was founded in 1933 with the prestigious Tivoli Lisboa, located on Av. da Liberdade, the most emblematic avenue in Lisbon. Other investments in new properties then followed: The Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, Tivoli Jardim, Tivoli Sintra and Tivoli Coimbra which opened their doors to the public in this order. With Espírito Santo Group’s acquisition, the Tivoli brand substantially increased its supply in the congress segment and also diversified supply in tourism through expanded facilities in leisure and golf with 5 hotels in the Algarve region.
In 2006, the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts Group started its internationalization in Brazil.
With an ongoing commitment to excellence and distinction, the Tivoli Hotels &
Resorts stands out by offering unique experiences for its guests.

www.tivolihotels.com

For further information, please contact:
Andrea Granja – Media Relations Tivoli Hotels & Resorts

DOWNLOAD PM
12/23/2009

Collecting EuroBonus points with First Hotels

First Hotels is a new partner in SAS loyalty program. First Hotels guests can now receive 500 SAS EuroBonus points per night.

All SAS EuroBonus members who book a room will receive 500 points for each night they spend at one of First Hotels' hotels.

"Becoming a member of the SAS EuroBonus scheme means a lot to First Hotels. This is a well-established programme throughout Scandinavia. The bonus scheme will therefore be an important additional product for our customers and it will help to make First Hotels even more attractive," says Managing Director Michael Telling at First Hotels.

"Now that First Hotels is joining our SAS EuroBonus programme we will be able to include a much wider range of hotels, and First Hotels complements our other hotel partners," says Kerstin Ellerberg Hassel, Director Partnerships EuroBonus at SAS.

First Hotels for business travellers
Affiliation with the SAS EuroBonus scheme will enable the guests of First Hotels to benefit from a unified bonus system.

"We know that many of our business customers use EuroBonus cards when travelling. We believe that the introduction of Eurobonus at First Hotels will encourage more customers in this group to choose us when travelling," says Mr. Telling.

In addition to accumulating EuroBonus points, all EuroBonus Gold members can upgrade their rooms to the next category.

"If we have rooms available it is great to be able to offer all Gold members upgrade benefits of this sort and we hope that this will make their stay with us even more enjoyable," concludes Mr. Telling.

In addition to its joint venture with EuroBonus, First Hotels has partners like Lufthansa Miles & More,
British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue (Air France/KLM), Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus, Singapore Airlines Kris Flyer, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, United Airlines Mileage Plus, Emirates Skywards, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, All Nippon Airways Mileage Club, China Eastern, Eastern Miles, Etihad Airways Etihad Guest, Jet Airways JetPrivilege and South African Airways Voyager.

DOWNLOAD PM
---

For further information please contact:
Marketing Director Thomas Alnes Aakvik at First Hotels, +47 9511 8626

or

Director Partnerships Eurobonus at SAS, Kerstin Ellerberg Hassel, +46 709 974 118
11/20/2009

First Hotels again rated as Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain

First Hotels is once again rated as Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain at the Danish Travel Awards. This is the fourth time that the Danish tourism industry honours the industry players. First Hotel also won the category in 2008, 2007 and 2005.

“Naturally we are very proud of receiving this coveted award for the fourth time in a market with such tough competition from other hotel chains. Furthermore, it was a pleasure to see that First Hotel Grand in Odense was nominated as Best Hotel despite still being under refurbishment. That is very promising for the future”, says President of First Hotels, Michael Telling.

Tour operator staff members have weighed the hotel chains. “Naturally, it means a lot to us that the industry points to us and I would like to thank the members for their many votes and their confidence. Apart from First Hotel Grand in Odense our latest hotel in Denmark, First Hotel Kong Frederik in Copenhagen, will also soon emerge as a newly refurbished pearl among Copenhagen hotels. But above all, the award honours our staff members, who have provided the guest experience, and the award is undoubtedly to their credit,” Michael Telling concludes with pride.

DOWNLOAD PM

For further information please contact:

Thomas Aakvik, Marketing Director
E-mail:
Mobil: +47 9511 8626
10/23/2009

One of Sweden’s most illustrious hotels joins First Hotels

First Hotels has entered a franchise agreement with Avalon Hotel in Gothenburg, subsequently named First Hotel Avalon. The hotel features unique design and architecture. Enhancing its position within the design segment, First Hotels now has three design hotels – one in each of the three Scandinavian nations.

As of 1 January 2010, a long-term franchise agreement has been entered into with Avalon Hotel, which is located at Kungstorget in Gothenburg by Avenyn. The hotel, which first opened in 2007, features 101 individually designed rooms and suites. The hotel is Feng Shui certified and light, scent, sound and decor are all important elements in the guest experience.

- “We are extremely pleased to be chosen to represent First Hotel Avalon. During our negotiations it clearly transpired that we share the same philosophy when it comes to creating good, unique experiences for our guests. First Hotels has compiled a portfolio with emphasis on hotels with a unique character and the hotel chain exhibits great competence in maintaining the uniqueness of hotels within an organisational structure. First Hotel Avalon will supplement the existing portfolio of First Hotels in Gothenburg magnificently, and not least complement the portfolio of select quality design hotels in Norway and Denmark. With yet another hotel in Gothenburg, we now offer an exceptional range and we welcome our guests to this market,” says President of First Hotels, Michael Telling.

- “We have long nurtured collaboration with First Hotels, which manages one of our hotels in Borås under the First brand. Our collaboration has always been good and when we decided to look for a partner for Avalon on a Nordic level, our choice fell on First Hotels. For a special hotel as Avalon it’s important that a franchise deal does not result in a watering down of the character of the hotel but rather a strengthening of it. And in this respect, First is the only choice. That First already manages two hotels associated with Design Hotels only aided our choice,” says Patrik Turnesjö CEO of Svenska Stadshotell AB, which owns Avalon Hotel.

DOWNLOAD PM

For further information, please contact:

- Michael Telling, President First Hotels, Tel.: +47 48404472
- Patrik Turnesjö, CEO of Svenska Stadshotell AB, Tel.: +46 705 12 77 03
10/12/2009

Global Hotel Alliance welcomes First Hotels as new member; Enters Scandinavia with one of region’s premier brands

Global Hotel Alliance welcomes First Hotels as new member; Enters Scandinavia with one of region’s premier brands.

Geneva 9th October 2009; Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is delighted to welcome First Hotels as their latest member, as the alliance grows to include a wide selection of great hotels in Scandinavia, with one of the region’s premier brands. With the addition First Hotels, GHA thus continues to bring some of the world’s most desirable, independent, upscale and luxury hotel brands under one marketing umbrella, enhancing their global reach, while enabling them to develop their individual identities.

GHA’s CEO, Chris Hartley, is thrilled with the addition of First Hotels “Scandinavia is a key source market for many of our members and it has significant growth potential. A truly independent, regional brand with 46 unique hotels across Norway, Denmark and Sweden, First perfectly fits the role as GHA’s member for Scandinavia.”

“2010 will be an exciting year for GHA”, adds Hartley. “We will continue to add members in markets where we have gaps, and we are going to launch a global, multi-brand loyalty programme, which will utilize a CRM platform customized specially for us, by our technology partner Micros-Fidelio.”

First Hotels already use Micros-Fidelio technology, so integration with GHA’s products and services will be seamless; and within a few weeks First’s customers will be enjoying special benefits and a personalised travel experience across GHA’s 240 hotels.

“For First Hotels GHA is the perfect strategic partner in order for us to offer our guests and customers an unparalleled multitude of benefits and advantages on a global scale.” says Michael Telling, CEO of First Hotels. “Combined with the Scandinavian alliance we recently signed with Thon Hotels, this is a milestone for the company. GHA consists of eleven unique, strong brands and we at First Hotels are very proud to become a member of this family.”

About Global Hotel Alliance
Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers across all brands. GHA currently comprises of Anantara, Cham, Doyle, Dusit, First, Kempinski, Landis, Leela, Marco Polo, Omni, Pan Pacific and Parkroyal encompassing 243 upscale and luxury hotels with 60,000 rooms across 47 different countries.
www.globalhotelalliance.com
For further information, please contact:
Global Hotel Alliance, Geneva

First Hotels, Oslo
Michael Telling, CEO
Phone: +47 2311 6072

DOWNLOAD PM
10/7/2009

First Hotel Skt. Petri rated as third-best business hotel in Europe

CNBC Business has rated First Hotel Skt. Petri among the top-three business hotels in Europe. In a time where value for money is has become an increasingly decisive factor, First Hotel Skt. Petri has been ranked among Europe’s very best business hotels for its favourable rates, central location and lively cocktail lounge.

Price, location and cocktail lounge make the difference
On its shortlist of Europe’s 25 best business hotels, CNBC Business ranked First Hotel Skt. Petri as third best. This year, CNBC Business has given emphasis to value for money and rated First Hotel Skt. Petri in the absolute elite of Europe’s business hotels due to its favourable rates, central location and lively cocktail lounge.

First Hotel Skt. Petri is a five-starred design hotel and the only Danish member of Design Hotels.

“It is a great honour that First Hotels in Denmark has been ranked third. It isn’t every day that we see a Danish hotel ranked as third best in Europe. I believe the high rating reflects several things, one being that we dare do things differently and above all focus on guest experience,” says Jacob Rais, General Manager at First Hotel Skt. Petri.

This year, CNBC Business changed the criteria for their ranking of Europe’s best business hotels. While CNBC Business still insists on exceptional service, amenities and facilities, the financial crisis has made value for money a necessary factor.

DOWNLOAD PM
9/14/2009

First Hotels sets the standard for hotels in Scandinavia

It is now one year since First Hotels as the first Scandinavian hotel chain committed itself to the UN Global Compact.

The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative encouraging companies committed to sustainability and responsible business practices to align themselves to a set of guidelines on human rights, labour rights, the environment, and anti-corruption.

First Hotel Skt. Petri in Copenhagen, Denmark, is pleased that First Hotels has committed itself to the UN Global Compact:

“We are proud to be part of the first Scandinavian hotel chain to commit itself to the UN Global Compact. It is now a year since we embarked on the partnership and we are pleased to show the Danes that First Hotel Skt. Petri is a hotel that has committed itself to taking social responsibility,” states General Manager of First Hotel Skt. Petri, Jacob Rais.

“We now see that individual Danish hotels have started to follow in the footsteps of First Hotels, and we hope that even more will follow. Hotels and hotel chains should commit themselves to showing social responsibility towards clients, employees and the environment.”

Aligning ourselves to ten principles
That First Hotels has committed itself to the UN Global Compact involves embracing and supporting internationally proclaimed human rights, aligning itself with the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, and launching initiatives that demonstrate environmental awareness.

“It’s important to us that all our departments in all the counties in which we operate follow our strategy and align themselves with the ten principles of the Global Compact,” states Michael Telling, President of First Hotels, and continues: “The last year has shown that our hotels are both pleased and proud of being part of the endorsement of such worthy principles.”

The ten principles of the UN Global Compact state that companies should:

• Support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
• Make sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses
• Uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• Support the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
• Support the effective abolition of child labour
• Support the elimination of discrimination in relation to employment and occupation
• Align themselves to the ten principles in relation to environmental challenges
• Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
• Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technology
• Work against corruption in all its form, including extortion and bribery

Corporate social responsibility at First Hotels
With its CSR policy, First Hotels commits itself to acting as a responsible corporate citizen with a high level of trust and credibility. First Hotels seeks to maintain a position considered attractive by our clients, employees, suppliers and other partners.

These objectives are to be reached through:

1. Contributing to the promotion of a sustainable development by reducing adverse effects on the external environment.
2. Maintaining high ethical standards in our business and by taking economic, environmental and social considerations into account in decision-making.
3. By managing the corporation in compliance with internationally proclaimed principles and guidelines and by adhering to the UN Charter of Human Rights.
4. By supporting socially conscious causes that adhere to the basic corporate values of First Hotels, support its corporate profile, and contribute to the achievement of other of its corporate goals.
5. By aligning the company and its corporate strategies to the UN Global Compact.

First Hotels is the first Scandinavian hotel chain to commit itself to the UN Global Compact.

DOWNLOAD PM
7/20/2009

First Hotels expands in Denmark

Copenhagen, 20 July 2009. First Hotels assumes management of the illustrious Hotel Kong Frederik in Copenhagen. With three hotels in the Danish capital, First Hotels gains an even greater foothold on the Danish market and is now one step closer to becoming Scandinavia’s leading chain.

First Hotels will assume management of Hotel Kong Frederik on 1 August in accordance with a long-term agreement with property owner Nordic Partners. In the months to come extensive refurbishment of the hotel will be undertaken with due respect for the illustrious heritage and classical English style of the hotel.

Hotel Kong Frederik is a classical palatial hotel in the heart of Copenhagen. Located close to Tivoli Gardens, the Central Station, City Hall and Copenhagen’s leading pedestrian high street, Strøget, it is truly one of the city’s most central hotels. The hotel features 110 rooms of individual design, six conference rooms and a restaurant, Brasserie Le Coq Rouge.

- When Nordic Partners purchased the former Remmen Hotels in 2007 it was made clear to the press that Hotel d’Angleterre was the main focus, although it was naturally clear that there were other hotels in the chain. It is therefore a natural development in relation to the original intention that First Hotels now becomes the operator of Hotel Kong Frederik while Nordic Partners will continue as property owner, states General Manager of NP Hotels, Hanne Lassen.

- We feel that First Hotels is the right operator for Hotel Kong Frederik and as of 1 August the team behind NP Hotels can dedicate themselves entirely to Hotel d’Angleterre and the continued development of this unique 5-starred landmark hotel in Copenhagen, Hanne Lassen adds.

- Hotel Kong Frederik will be a perfect addition to the First Hotels portfolio in Copenhagen, which includes First Hotel Vesterbro and First Hotel Skt. Petri. With yet another unique hotel in the Danish capital we can now offer a wider choice while also gaining a steadier foothold on the market, states President of First Hotels, Michael Telling.

For further information, please contact:

- Hanne Lassen, General Manager, NP Hotels, Tel.: +45 2266 6449

- Michael Telling, President, First Hotels, Tel.: +47 4840 4472
7/2/2009

Thon Hotels and First Hotels enter partnership in Scandinavia

The partners will enter joint collaboration within sales, distribution and marketing. The aim of the collaboration now entered is to enhance their presence in Scandinavia. The partnership agreement takes effect in January 2010. The chains will then offer more than 100 hotels in Scandinavia.

Both parties are leading Scandinavian hotel chains with different geographical emphasises and with an overall wide coverage, strong brands, favourable products, and sizable sales organisations.

First Hotels has 46 hotels in Scandinavia of which 31 are located in Sweden, 9 in Norway and 6 in Denmark. The chain has an annual turnover of NOK 1.2 billion.

Thon Hotels is the third-largest hotel chain in Norway with 53 hotels and an annual turnover of NOK 2.4 billion. Two new hotels will be added during the autumn of 2009. Thon Hotels is well represented in the Benelux and these hotels will also be covered by the partnership.

The partnership will primarily focus on sales, distribution and marketing aspects. Clients will benefit with a wider choice of hotel products and far greater geographical coverage. Joint collaboration is also to be established within the respective loyalty programs so guests can earn and redeem bonus points at both hotel chains.

Thon Hotels and First Hotels are both to retain full ownership and management of their respective brands.

- Thon Hotels mainly carries weight on the Norwegian market and has for some time sought alliances to cover the Scandinavian market. With First Hotels as partner we can offer our clients a geographical coverage and hotel portfolio that complements our own in a very good way, says Morten Thorvaldsen, CEO of Thon Hotels.

- First Hotels sees the collaboration with Thon Hotels as strategically beneficial to both parties and the partnership allows us to position ourselves favourably to become the best on the market. It will enhance our distribution and geographical presence in Scandinavia considerably. We will gain the opportunity to offer unique experiences, from urban design hotels in the Scandinavian capitals to mountain resorts. And not least, the partnership will give our clients added value in the form of greater choice and accessibility, says Michael Telling, President of First Hotels.

For further information, please contact:
- Michael Telling, President of First Hotels, Tel. +47 4840 4472.
- Lennart Johansson, VP Sales, Marketing & Revenue, tlf: +47 4840 4473
- Morten Thorvaldsen, CEO of Thon Hotels, Tel. +47 926 97 705
- Turid Nyeggen, Director of Marketing, Thon Hotels, Tel. +47 9823 6931

Facts about Thon Hotels:

- Thon Hotels is the third-largest hotel chain in Norway with 53 hotels. Thon Hotels also has 4 hotels and 2 apartment hotels in Belgium and 1 hotel in Holland.
- The chain offers a total of 7,490 rooms in Norway and 1,296 in Belgium and Holland.
- Thon Hotels offers hotels for different occasions and features four hotel concepts: Thon Budget, Thon City, Thon Conference and Thon Resort.
- In 2008, Thon Hotels had a turnover of NOK 2.4 billion.
- Thon Hotels is part of the Olav Thon Group.

Facts about First Hotels:

- First Hotels is one of Scandinavia’s leading hotel chains with 46 unique hotels centrally located close to public transport and sights in selected cities in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
- First Hotels offers quality experiences and individual choice. All hotels are unique in style and atmosphere. First Hotel G, First Hotel Skt. Petri and First Hotel Grims Grenka are examples of First Hotels’ focus on design.
- First Hotels has a total of 6700 rooms and the 2008 turnover was NOK 1.3 billion.
- First Hotels is owned by Flying Elephant of which Asmund Haare is the principal shareholder.

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE
1/16/2009

First Hotels Strengthens Its Organisation

First Hotels brings change and reinforcement to its executive managerial group to strengthen and develop the corporation.

– We started the reorganising process in late 2008 and the result is a more centralised and focused Sales Organisation, enhanced capacity and better focus within Operations and a strong focus on the further development of the corporation. This will make us better geared to meet the challenges of the market, says Vice President of Human Resources at First Hotels, Charles Løfwander.

In concordance with the corporate strategy towards 2020, the organisation will be strengthened with the appointment of a Vice President of Business Development. Simen Haare, who until now has held responsibility for Operations, will as of 2009 focus on the development, strategy and future of the corporation.

– We are exceptionally pleased that Simen will be in charge of developing the business towards 2020, says Løfwander.

Coinciding, Helge Krogsbøl has been appointed Vice President of Operations after Haare. He will assume the position as of 1 April 2009. Krogsbøl is today Area Director of the Benelux for the Thon Group.

Tony Bak, who is currently CEO of NP Hotels, will as of 1 March 2009 assume the position as Regional Director of Denmark and Norway. Richard Svartvik will continue as Regional Director of Sweden. The enhanced executive capacity within Operations is an important aspect of the wider strategy of providing better follow-up and support for our hotels in the time ahead.

– These changes will in combination make us better geared to addressing the needs of our staff, the market and not least the guests at our hotels. We look forward to continuing our focus on developing the 2020 strategy for First Hotels.

For further information, please contact:
VP Human Resources Charles Løfwander at First Hotels, +47 4840 4405.
Marketing Director Thomas Alnes Aakvik at First Hotels, +47 9511 8626.

DOWNLOAD PM
1/14/2009

NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR FIRST HOTELS

It is with great pleasure that First Hotels welcomes Tony Bak as Regional Director of First Hotels for Norway and Denmark as of 1 March 2009. This development will substantially strengthen the organisation and Tony Bak is to work alongside Richard Svartvik, who holds responsibility for Sweden.

Tony Bak, who until recently was CEO of NP Hotels, is highly experienced within hotel management.

‘I look forward to being a part of the First Hotels Team, and I look forward to having a whole lot of new colleagues and to work for an exciting chain, which is really on the move’, says Tony Bak.

‘We are very much looking forward to benefitting from Tony’s competences in the organisation,’ says Charles Løfwander, VP Human Resources.

For further information, please contact:

Charles Løfwander VP Human Resources, First Hotels T: +47 4840 4405
Thomas Alnes Aakvik Marketing Director, First Hotels T: +47 9511 8626

DOWNLOAD PM
11/28/2008

Setting the standard for hotels in Scandinavia.

First Hotels is the first Scandinavian hotel chain to sign up to the UN Global Compact.

The UN Global Compact sets out international guidelines to ensure that corporations align their operations with ten principles within the areas of human rights, labour relations, the environment and anti-corruption.

“We are proud to be the first Scandinavian hotel chain to commit ourselves the UN Global Compact. First Hotels has always given priority to being a responsible corporation in relation to our clients, employees and the environment. By committing ourselves to the UN Global Compact we demonstrate our willingness to do all we can to show social responsibility,” says the President of First Hotels, Michael Telling.

First Hotels’ initiative has been well received by the UN Development Program (UNDP).

“It’s very positive that First Hotels as the first hotel chain in Scandinavia has decided to commit itself to the UN Global Compact,” says corporate contact Kristian R. Andersen of the UN Development Program (UNDP).

“By signing up to the ten guiding principles in relation to the environment, anti-corruption, labour relations and human rights, First Hotels commits itself to a responsible approach within all these areas. And by becoming part of the UN Global Compact, First Hotels demonstrates that it takes social responsibility seriously,” Andersen continues.

Among the commitments that First Hotels has now embraced is to support and respect international human rights. The corporation is to adhere to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact and is to engage in initiatives that demonstrate an environmentally responsible approach.

“It’s important to us that all departments of our corporation follow our strategy and the ten principles of the UN Global Compact,” says Michael Telling.

The ten principles of the UN Global Compact:
• Support and respect the international human rights
• Not to be complicit in human rights abuses
• Uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
• Elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
• Effective abolition of child labour
• Elimination of discrimination in regards to employment and occupation
• Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
• Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
• Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technology
• Work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery

Social responsibility at First Hotels
The First Hotels Corporate Social Responsibility policy requires the company to act as a responsible corporate citizen with the aim of generating trust and credibility in relation to its corporate activities and further building and maintaining the confidence of customers, employees, suppliers and other partners.

These goals are to be achieved by:
1. Promoting environmentally sustainable development by conducting business activities in a way that minimises any adverse impact on the external environment.
2. Maintaining high ethical standards in business relations and taking environmental and social issues into account in decision-making.
3. Conducting business and labour relations in accordance with internationally recognised principles and guidelines and by adhering to the UN Charter of Human Rights.
4. Supporting socially beneficial goals that adhere to the corporation’s core values with the aim of enhancing and promoting the image of the corporation and its goals
5. Aligning operations and strategies with the principles of the UN Global Compact

For more information, please contact:
Charles Løfwander, VP Human Resources, First Hotels +47 4840 4405
Thomas Alnes Aakvik, Marketing Director, First Hotels, +47 9511 8626

or visit www.unglobalcompact.org

DOWNLOAD PRESSRELEASE
10/15/2008

First Hotels Again Voted Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain

First Hotels has been elected Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain at the Danish Travel Awards. The event marked the thirteenth time the Danish tourism industry honours its industry players. First Hotels has previously been awarded the title in 2005 and 2007.

“Naturally, we are proud once again to receive the award on a market marked by fierce competition from other hotel chains. Rather than giving us reason to rest on our laurels, the award inspires us to redouble our efforts to provide our guests with choice and quality service experience,” says President of First Hotels,” Michael Telling.

“Danish travel operators compared the hotel chains and awarded the title to First Hotels ahead of Radisson SAS and Marriot. Naturally, it means a lot to us that the award is a travel industry accolade that recognises the efforts we undertake at First Hotels. We have chosen to position ourselves through design and to create a hotel experience that complements the overall travel experience. Above all this is this award is a recognition of our staff members, for it is they who help create the exceptional guest experience and the award is, no doubt, of their merit,” says Michael Telling.

Awards were given in a total of 21 categories.

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE
PICTURE MICHAEL TELLING, PRESIDENT
1/20/2008

First Hotels elected Denmark’s Best Hotel Chain once again

First Hotels once again took the top prize Thursday evening at the Danish Travel Award 2007 event where it was elected Best Danish Hotel Chain 2007 by the Danish travel industry members.

Danish Travel Award
The Danish Travel Award event has been held for 12 years running and the awards are considered the Danish hotel and travel industry’s most prestigious accolades. Awards are given on the basis of a ballot among Danish travel industry employees, including travel agency staff, and domestic travellers. The rating agency Zapera.com handled the polling.

First Hotels
First Hotels took the top prize for Best Danish Hotel Chain once again this year.

”It’s a great honour to receive this award for the second time in only three years. We are very proud of the great effort which our staff brings to the hotels and which has lead to First Hotels winning this award once again, says President for First Hotels, Asmund Haare.

”We believe our election is caused by, amongst other things, our strong brand and that we dare to do things differently and focus a great deal on optimizing the guest experience, says Asmund Haare.

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE