Frasers Hospitality is entering the hotel industry with the launch of a new concept called Capri by Fraser, which will provide short-term hotel accommodation with the trappings of a full-service residence. To be rolled out across Asia, the S$124 million Capri by Fraser will be launched in Singapore at Changi Business Park in the third quarter of this year. Adding to its portfolio of serviced residences in 39 cities worldwide, Capri by Fraser will also be launched in Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam later in December and in Kuala Lumpur in 2013. Designed to meet the lifestyle needs of the digital generation, Capri by Fraser offers guests the option of cooking and doing laundry while being constantly connected through high-speed and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel residence. The new brand aims to capture young professionals who make frequent short regional trips, usually between one to two weeks. Frasers Hospitality’s current portfolio, including those in the pipeline, stands at 73 properties in 39 key gateway cities, and more than 12,200 apartments worldwide.

Crowne Plaza continues to extend its brand presence in Southeast Asia with the opening of the Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. The opening marks the brand's first resort hotel in the region. Signed in February 2012, the new resort is located close to the shopping district of Phuket Town and a short drive to Patong, and is set in Makham Bay, offering views of the offshore twin islands of Tapao Yai and Tapao Noi. The resort suites have bay window baths and all 224 guestrooms have a separate bath and private, furnished balconies. Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort also boasts its signature Thann spa, a 24-hour gym, supervised kids’ club, resort centre, café and a lobby bar elevated over Makham Bay.