Three Thailand-based hotel groups released pipeline updates for 2012, all focusing on overseas expansion with a smattering of properties due to open in home-base Thailand.
It marks a determined shift in policy from home developments to expansion mainly within Asia/Pacific as Thai hotel brands seek wider recognition and marketing reach.
Most of the properties are managed with local investors developing the projects.
Thai hotel chian gets tough
Thailand’s major players, ONYX Hospitality Group, Minor Hospitality Group and Dusit International indicated they have more than 20 properties in the pipeline.
ONYX Group will debut three properties this year with two marketed as hotels and one as a serviced apartment. The two hotels will join the group’s core brand, Amari.
Amari Hua Hin is due to open in this June, with 223 rooms. The other property is on Hainan Island in China. Amari Dragon Bay is due to open late 2012 with 105 rooms.
A serviced apartment will open in Hong Kong in late 2012 branded OZO Wesley Hong Kong with 250 rooms.
Minor Group has seven projects in its pipeline. All properties are in China and the Middle East. They are:
• Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa, China, 122 rooms;
• Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, 74 rooms;
• Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi, by Anantara, 222 rooms
• Avani Kalutara Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka, 105 rooms;
• Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa, 103 rooms;
• Al Yamm Lodge by Anantara, UAE,30 villas;
• Al Barai Lodge by Anantara, UAE,30 villas.
The first three properties are due to open over the next six months and the remainder by the end of the year
Dusit International has 12 projects in its pipeline, however, details of opening dates and room counts are sketchy.
Three projects are confirmed to open this year: Dusit Devarana New Delhi, India (Q3); Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi (Q3) and dusitD2 New Delhi, India (Q4).
Three properties are confirmed with the openings in 2013: Dusit Thani Hainan, China (Q1), Dusit Devarana Hainan, China (Q3) and dusitD2 Pasadena, California, United States (Q3).
Other future properties identified, but not given firm opening dates are: Dusit Devarana Jaipur India; Dusit Devarana Rishikesh India; Dusit Thani Goa India; Dusit Thani Hualien Taiwan; Dusit Thani HsinChu; Taiwan and Dusit Thani Jeddah Saudi Arabia.
There are five major Thailand based hotel moving off shore mainly managing properties. They are Dusit International, ONYX Hospitality Group, Minor Hospitality Group, Centara Hotels and Resorts and Imperial Hotels Group.
Centara Hotels and Resorts has yet to confirm firm openings for projects under construction.
Source: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2012/02/thai-groups-tackle-off-shore-projects/