This year, Asia and the Pacific recorded the highest growth in international arrivals (9 percent) across world regions between January and April 2016, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). What’s more, STR Global cited a 4.9 percent increase in the demand for hotel inventory in Asia and the Pacific, which caused a 1.7 percent increase in occupancy. There is no doubt about the popularity of Asia, so we’ve gathered some of the latest news on hotel openings to help you sell this hot region.
- Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Malaysia (opening 2017): Hard Rock International’s rapid expansion throughout Asia-Pacific is continuing with the fall opening of Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast in Johor, Malaysia. The 365-guestroom will feature a waterpark, a pool with a bar and grill, an all-day dining restaurant and a fast-casual eatery, plus two championship golf courses, the Roxity Kids Club and, in true Hard Rock fashion, music-themed amenities and offerings, including music memorabilia, live performances, Fender guitar rentals as part of The Sound of Your Stay program, and the music-infused spa treatments from the Rock Spa’s Rhythm & Motion menu. hardrockhotels.com.
- Aman Shanghai, China (opening 2017): Aman’s fourth property in China is expected to launch next year and, according to press material, will be the brand’s most ambitious project to date. Blending China’s future with its past, the property will be comprised of a village of historic dwellings surrounded by a sacred camphor forest. The peaceful sanctuary is situated on just over 100 acres sprinkled with rescued millenarian trees and ornamental lakes, and features an Aman Spa with two pools; six dining venues; and Nan Shu Fang, a serene garden. The resort also offers new suites and villas that complement the 24 restored antique villas and come complete with contemporary interiors and private pools. aman.com/shanghai.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Xian, China (opening 2018): The populous city of Xian—an emerging high-tech hub in central China and one of China’s four great ancient capitals—will serve as the future location for the 288-guestroom The Ritz-Carlton, Xian. The property will offer two restaurants serving Japanese and Cantonese dining, and a sophisticated bar, Flair. marriott.com.
A Passport to Asia
In response to increased demand from North American travelers, FIT and group tour operator Travel Bound has announced the company’s first major marketing campaign for travel agents to several key destinations in Asia . The company has reported a double-digit increase in bookings to several countries throughout the region this year and is projecting additional increases in bookings for next year.
TravelBound offers more than 8,200 hotels in Asia, from four- and five-star luxury hotels and resorts to traditional Japanese ryokans, plus 1,200 tours and sightseeing experiences in 11 countries. The company’s multi-week Your Passport to Asia campaign launched earlier this month with a focus on Thailand and will highlight a new location each week with a “passport” of special tours and travel tips for travel agents to share with their clients. Additional destinations include Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and Japan. Featured resorts and hotels include The Peninsula Bangkok; Raffles Hotel Singapore; The Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai; the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Vietnam; and The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul. For more information, booktravelbound.com.
