Montage International Sees Booking Uptick

During the past two decades, hospitality executive Alan Fuerstman has seen three significant downturns—with COVID-19 as “the most severe” of them all.

“We continued to see lower occupancy numbers than usual at the end of last year, but during this first quarter of 2021, we have seen a steady pick up in bookings across the portfolio,” Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO of Montage International, said last week. “Our advance bookings for the back half of the year look particularly strong.

“With the vaccine rollout—particularly over the last handful of weeks—we are seeing more confidence in travelers. Travelers are eager to visit their favorite destinations and have time away to relax with their friends and family. Business is recovering strongly.”

He didn’t let the virus stop plans or creativity. In September, he launched Montage Academy, a back-to-school program for resort guests that offered access to an all-day monitored study hall and educational programs for guests ages 6 to 17, including a range of afternoon elective activities from yoga to hiking, art to cooking and woodshop to conservation.
 
It also gave “a much needed break” to parents.
 
“It has been a great program for our guests looking to enhance their family’s distanced learning experience,” he said.

In December, he opened the Montage Healdsburg in Northern California for guests to experience the famous Sonoma and Napa wine countries. He plans to open the Montage Big Sky later this year.
 
A spinoff boutique brand, Pendry, also has big plans this year.
 
The Pendry West Hollywood was scheduled to open on April 2, followed by the Pendry Chicago in May and the Pendry Manhattan West in the summer. The 37-story Chicago building along Michigan Avenue was once known as the Hard Rock Hotel.
 
Last year, his Montage Residences and Pendry Residences reported more than $275 million in residential sales, down from $350 million in 2019. However, the value of its portfolio rose by $1 billion to $4.5 billion.
 
It’s also developing the brand’s first-ever private island and Caribbean development in the Abacos, Bahamas. Its launched a collaboration with the world’s leading wellness real estate technology company, Delos.

If that wasn’t enough, he added, “We also have confirmed projects in two new destinations, which we plan to announce later this year.”