Bangkok (Thailand) – May 23, 2015 – Rapidly growing hotel management consultancy Unicorn Hospitality has signed an agreement to take over the global distribution of Koh Samui-based hotel chain Kalara Hotels & Resorts, further expanding its portfolio of high-profile clients. This agreement follows the Bangkok-based firm's recent deal with Japanese cosmetics brand RICE FORCE to handle sales and marketing in Thailand.

Kalara operates two luxury “design” hotels on Samui – Code, a new, state-of-the-art resort with exceptional comfort levels and views of the golden sands and azure waters of Bang Por Beach, and Lanna, an extremely chic, modern resort with beautifully appointed suites in the heart of the lively village of Bangrak near the pristine Big Buddha Bay.

Yann Gouriou, founder and CEO of Unicorn, said the “dynamic” business approach of both companies makes them ideal partners.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Kalara, because I believe that boutique hotels, which stand out through unique design, cuisine and wellness, like these two outstanding properties, have great growth potential,” he said.

Alex Castaldi, Executive General Manager of Kalara Hotel Division, said Unicorn has in-depth knowledge of the markets and customers that Kalara targets, and its understanding of the upscale boutique hotel market is unmatched.

"They will drive innovative sales and marketing strategies focusing on high-end direct sales, digital and social media activities, and traditional sales and marketing channels worldwide. We are very much looking forward to working with Yann and his team."

Kalara Hotels & Resorts is part of Kalara International Properties, an award-winning, diversified company that was originally founded as a real estate agency but is now very successful in property management, luxury villa rental, project development and investment, with a presence in Phuket, Bangkok, Krabi, Pattaya and Koh Phangan.

The resilience of Koh Samui's hospitality sector was demonstrated last year when the number of international passenger arrivals on the resort island increased by 4% year-on-year despite prolonged political unrest in the country that culminated in a coup, according to the "Hotel Update 2015" report recently published by C9 Hotelworks.

About Unicorn Hospitality: Unicorn Hospitality advises hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, bars, and the travel industry, specializing in hotel and restaurant start-ups and the opening phase. The company employs a strong employee-centric approach in all its projects. Founder Yann Gouriou was previously Group General Manager of AHMS The Collection, where he oversaw four of Thailand's leading boutique resorts: Aleenta Phuket Phang-Nga, Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi, AKARYN Samui, and akyra Chura Samui. He also managed ongoing projects in Chiang Mai and Cambodia. He has experience in virtually all departments of leading hotels and resorts in Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, including as Resident Manager of the Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa in Bermuda and as Food & Beverage Manager of the Dome complex at the Lebua Hotel in Bangkok. www.unicornh.com

For further information, please contact: Yann Gouriou, Managing Director, UNICORN Hospitality, Mobile: +66 854891301, Email: [email protected], www.unicornh.com