Solare Hotels & Resorts Introduces Comprehensive Services to Support Conferences and Events2007.12.04

Solare Hotels & Resorts Co. Ltd. (www.solarehotels.com/english/) will start offering ”LOISIR BIZ”, a comprehensive package of services, which combines the use of conference facilities, dining, accommodation, and post-conference events or parties, at seven LOISIR Hotels across the nation starting March 1st, 2008.

In June 2007, Solare’s ten Chisun Hotels across the nation successfully introduced CHISUN BIZ, aimed at promoting MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference & Exhibition) services. Following this success with its Chisun brand hotels, Solare is introducing a similar service at Loisir Hotels, its full-service brand, with upgraded facilities and meals.

Based on the concept of the “Six Senses” which define the customer experience (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell and Loisir’s attentive staff), LOISIR BIZ is a package product offering an ideal environment for MICE business. Focusing on the effect of smell, which works directly on the brain to improve concentration and relieve stress, the product will feature fragrances in the conference rooms, banquet rooms, lobby and guestrooms. Like CHISUN BIZ, which was recently honored at France’s Hospitality Awards 2007 in the category of Best Customer Satisfaction Program in Mid-scale Hotels, LOISIR BIZ will feature “Nodoshoku” meals - original menus designed to boost brainpower by using fresh local products to nourish the body and excite the palate. The package also includes a variety of other services, including unusual yet thoughtful provisions such as hand-held squeeze balls for meeting participants, which provide a relaxing effect through the sensation of touch.

At all Loisir Hotels, professional conference coordinators and planners are on hand to support meetings and original parties to ensure only the best service for meeting and event guests.

LOISIR BIZ offers three packages:
1) An accommodation plan, including 8-hour use of a meeting room, accommodation and dining.
2) A day tour plan consisting of 8-hour use of a meeting room and lunch.
3) A Loisir Original Party plan tailored to the customer’s needs.

“We are highly committed to expanding our MICE business this year. With a focus on the ‘Incentive’ aspect of MICE business, LOISIR BIZ offers a package designed for stress-free incentive travel, meetings and training at an executive level. Now with improved banquet facilities, Loisir Hotels can flexibly address the needs of almost any post-meeting party, banquet or exhibition”, said Solare Hotels & Resorts CEO A.G. Virili.

LOISIR BIZ is outlined in more detail below.

< Launch Date >

March 1st, 2008

* Loisir BIZ Web site will launch December 5th, 2007.


< Outline of LOISIR BIZ >

 Hotels to introduce the service:
In Hokkaido: Loisir Hotel Asahikawa, Hokkaido
In Kanto: Loisir Hotel Atsugi, Kanagawa
In Shinetsu: Loisir Hotel Joetsu, Niigata
In Tokai: Loisir Hotel Yokkaichi, Mie and Loisir Hotel Ogaki, Gifu
In Kyushu: Loisir Hotel Nagasaki, Nagasaki
In Okinawa: Loisir Hotel Naha, Okinawa

Service to start: December 5th, 2007

A dedicated LOISIR BIZ website is also scheduled for launch on December 5th, 2007.

< Major Features >

1.A meeting and training environment planned using the “Six Senses” concept:
A well-designed environment and services focusing on the five senses: sight (state-of-the-art projectors and screens), sound (healing music during intermissions), taste (“Nodoshoku” meals using fresh local products), touch (textured stationery and fixtures such as leather desk mats), plus the human factor, professional services.

2.Development of an original menu and F&B service:
“Nodoshoku” menus use vitamin-rich ingredients to boost brainpower. The name “Nodoshoku” is derived from the Japanese term for “active thinking,” and the Japanese word for “meal.” Recipes are developed using local ingredients and seasonal foods. Refreshment stations are available throughout meetings and events, offering revitalizing drinks and mints.

3.Support from our professional staff:
Japan Conference Center-certified coordinators and planners are available to provide assistance with events. (10 certified coordinators in 7 Loisir Hotels alone, with a total of 38 coordinators throughout the Solare chain, which represents the largest single contingent of certified coordinators and planners in Japan)

4.A wide range of equipment:
Including projector, screen, whiteboard, Internet connectivity, high-quality desk mats, hand-held squeeze balls, two-color mechanical pencils, tri-color highlighting pens, original notebooks, etc.