ITT Sheraton's new global advertising campaign is set to roll out in the third quarter of this year following the realignment of its worldwide business with affiliates of its Paris-based agency, BDDP.
In Hongkong, the affiliate agency is Batey Ads which was awarded the regional advertising business last month, after it had been handled for about three years by DDB Needham.
The consolidation puts Batey in an unenviable position as it already handles Omni Hotels Asia Pacific, a regional account billing in excess of US$1 million, which it has had for four years.
Managing director of Batey Hongkong, Mr Phil Hawkes, said the agency was still discussing what to do with Omni, but admitted that it might have to resign the account because of potential conflict with Sheraton.
''Inevitably, there will be an area of conflict so we will help Omni find a solution. If that means helping them find a new agency, then so be it,'' he commented.
Director of communications at Omni, Ms Lyllian Poon, said a decision would be made soon on the basis of what was best for Omni.