Langkawi to Receive Boost with Wanda and Cenang Partnership

China-based Wanda Hotels & Resorts is set to debut its ‘Wanda Realm’ brand overseas, following a strategic partnership with developer Cenang Resort Sdn Bhd to manage a property in Langkawi, Malaysia. The hotel will be situated within an integrated resort development by Cenang Resort with an estimated development value of RM1.9 billion. Spread across 5.28 acres of prime freehold land facing the Andaman Sea, the iconic integrated development is expected to be a key tourist destination in Langkawi that will cater to both local and international tourists. Besides the 350-key Wanda Realm Resort Langkawi, the development will feature two 40-storey residential towers and 16 commercial units tailored for the tourism and services industry. Wanda Realm Resort Langkawi will also provide a host of other facilities such as multiple food and beverage outlets, conference and meeting spaces, as well as recreational facilities. The entire integrated development is slated for completion in 2023, with the residential towers expected to open doors by end of 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Oxley Obtains Temporary Occupation Permit for Hotel Development

Oxley Holdings Limited, a Singaporean property developer, has announced that it has obtained the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) for its hotel development on Stevens Road, Singapore. Strategically located minutes away from the shopping belts along Orchard Road, the SG$900 million development comprises a 254-room Novotel and a 518-room Mercure, along with amenities such as a 360-seat ballroom, meeting facilities, swimming pools, and F&B outlets. Expected to commence operations from Q2-2018, the group targets to achieve full TOP of the entire development ahead of the commencement of the hotel operations. The auxiliary areas in progress are the extended facilities for the hotels, two commercial units, as well as some external works and a tennis court.

INNSIDE by Meliá Debuts in China

Spanish hotel group, Meliá Hotels International recently announced the opening of its first ‘INNSIDE by Meliá’ hotel in China. Strategically located in the Zhengdong New District of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, the new lifestyle four-star INNSIDE by Meliá Zhengzhou is designed to create one-of-a-kind experience for customers. The 335-room hotel also features an open all-day restaurant – Syndeo, serving diverse local specialties and fine international food. Additionally, the hotel offers free WiFi and a 24-hour fitness center, among other facilities. INNSIDE by Meliá Zhengzhou is only a three-minute walk from the Zhengzhou East Railway Station. 

AccorHotels Opens the Mercure Dwarka in Gujarat, India

AccorHotels announced the opening of the Mercure Dwarka in Dwarka, Gujarat, last week. The hotel, located along the Porbandar – Dwarka Highway, features 99 rooms including one suite, with base category rooms measuring 248 square feet. On the food & beverage front, the Mercure Dwarka features an all-day dining restaurant and an 80-square-metre meeting room. Other facilities at the hotel include a fitness center and a children’s club. Dwarka is a small city located in the Devbhoomi Dwarka District of Gujarat and is an important Hindu pilgrimage destination, famous for its Dwarkadheesh temple.

Philippines to Welcome Chinese Tourists with Visa-on-Arrival

In an effort to boost tourism and investment in the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of Philippines announced that the country will be granting visa on arrival for Chinese visitors. The program is open to Chinese nationals who are members of tour groups organized by tour operators accredited by the Tourism Department; businessmen endorsed by local and foreign Chambers of Commerce and other government agencies; and athletes and delegates to conventions and exhibitions. The visa-on-arrival facility will be available at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and eight other international airports (Clark, Mactan, and Kalibo) and seaports (Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subic, Laoag and Caticlan) in the country. Visa-on-arrival is available to holders of valid passport and return tickets, and applicants are required to file their request at least ten working days prior to arrival. A fee of US$25 and P10 (US$0.20) legal research fee will be charged per visa. Chinese nationals may, through their tour operator, apply for their landed visas at the BI for an initial authorized stay of 30 days, which may further be extended for up to six months.

Absolute Share Price Performance, as on 18 August 2017