Imperial Palace Seoul will make a new start as ‘Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam’ on the 10th of next month.
Imperial Palace Seoul announced on the 18th that it had signed a contract with Accor Group, a global hotel chain, and was changing its name to ‘Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam’.
Grand Mercure is one of Accor’s premium brands, such as Pullman and Swissotel. Accor Group launched Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam for the third time, following Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel Residence Seoul Yongsan in 2017 and Grand Mercure Ambassador Changwon.
Based on 35 years of hotel management know-how, Imperial Palace Seoul pursued rebranding to be reborn as a hotel that provides new experiences and values to a growing number of domestic and foreign customers. The plan is to cover not only existing business and MICE demand, but also leisure customers with products and services utilizing local tourism and cultural content.
General Manager Kim Gyeong-lim said, “We will leap forward as a global hotel representing Seoul and provide the best customer satisfaction with optimized facilities and high-quality services under the ‘Grand Mercure’ brand.”
Meanwhile, Imperial Palace Seoul first opened as ‘Hotel Amiga’ in 1989. Afterwards, the name was changed to Imperial Palace Seoul through facility expansion in 2005.
Wooyeol Yoon, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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How does the rebranding of the Imperial Palace Seoul impact local tourism and cultural experiences in Seoul?
Time.news Interview: The Future of Hospitality in Seoul - A Conversation with Kim Gyeong-lim
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the dynamic changes in various industries around the globe. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Kim Gyeong-lim, the General Manager of the newly rebranded Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam. Kim, thank you for being here!
Kim Gyeong-lim (K): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss our exciting new chapter.
E: Let’s start with the rebranding of the Imperial Palace Seoul. What led to the decision to partner with the Accor Group and transition to the Grand Mercure brand?
K: This transition was driven by our desire to enhance our offerings and adapt to the evolving needs of our guests. By partnering with Accor, a leader in the hospitality industry, we can leverage their extensive experience and premium brand recognition. Our goal is to provide unique experiences and values that cater to both domestic and international travelers.
E: You mentioned providing new experiences. Can you elaborate on how the Grand Mercure aims to cater to both business and leisure customers?
K: Absolutely! While we will continue to support the business and MICE sectors with our efficient services, we are also focusing on attracting leisure travelers. We plan to incorporate local tourism and cultural experiences into our offerings to create a rich and engaging stay for our guests. This includes partnerships with local attractions and events to ensure that every stay at Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam is memorable.
E: It sounds like a comprehensive strategy. The name change signifies a fresh start. How do you plan to modernize the hotel experience?
K: Modernization is at the core of our vision. We’re investing in upgrading our facilities and technology to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience. High-quality service will remain our cornerstone, but we’re also integrating innovative solutions to enhance guest convenience. Our team is committed to optimizing every aspect of our service, from check-in procedures to room amenities.
E: That’s exciting! The Imperial Palace Seoul has a rich history, having opened in 1989 and evolving over the years. How do you plan to honor that legacy while forging a new identity?
K: While we embrace our new identity as Grand Mercure, we will certainly honor our legacy. We are proud of our history and the trust we’ve built over the decades. Our rebranding reflects our commitment to progress, but we will continue to provide the warm, welcoming service that our long-time guests have come to expect. The blend of tradition and modernity is central to our approach.
E: Let’s talk about the challenges you foresee in this rebranding process. What do you consider the most significant hurdles?
K: One of the biggest challenges is changing perceptions. We need to effectively communicate our new brand identity to our existing customers while attracting new ones. Additionally, we have to ensure that our staff is fully onboard with the new brand values, as they are the face of our service. Continuous training and engagement will be key to overcoming these challenges.
E: Collaboration with Accor seems crucial in this endeavor. What kind of support or resources are you receiving from the group?
K: Accor provides us with invaluable resources, including marketing support, training programs, and access to their extensive network. This partnership allows us to implement best practices and innovative solutions that have been successful in other markets, enabling us to elevate our guest experience dramatically.
E: Lastly, what message do you want to convey to potential guests about the new Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam?
K: We invite everyone to experience the transformation firsthand! Our commitment is to provide not just a place to stay, but a space that offers unparalleled satisfaction through high-quality services and local experiences. We believe that our guests will find a home away from home with us, complete with the best of Seoul’s culture and hospitality.
E: Thank you, Kim, for sharing your insights on this exciting transformation. We look forward to seeing the Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam flourish.
K: Thank you for the opportunity! We can’t wait to welcome everyone.