New hotel world records – Unique features are important for hotel marketing

Shanghai, China – 20 April 2016 – Size is not everything when it comes to world records. Now, the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square was honoured for its world’s highest library and therefore will get an entry in the “Guinness Book of World Records”. This is reported by tophotelprojects.com.

JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square

The library with over 2,000 books in English and Mandarin (Putonghua) is located at the 60th floor, 230.9 meters above ground. For the hotel tower with landmark character, it is a welcome, exclusive award to emphasize the excellent service.

The “Guinness Book of World Records”, currently presents 193 entries on hotels. A selection:

• Largest hotel in the world: First World Hotel in Pahang Darul Makmur / Malaysia with 7,351 rooms
• Smallest Hotel in the World: Eh’häusl in Amberg / Germany with 53 square meters total
• Oldest hotel in the world: Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamanashi / Japan opened 705 BC
• Largest hotel suite in the world: “Royal Suite” at the Grand Hills Hotel & Spa in Broummana / Lebanon with 4,131 square meters

Thailand tourism in booming – 64 new top resorts in the pipeline

Bangkok, Thailand – 24 Februar 2016 – Tourism is booming worldwide – and especially in Thailand. The tourism revenue is growing in the Southeast Asian country annually by more than six percent. This attracts also new investments: According to tophotelprojects.com, the specialized service provider in the exchange of cutting-edge information between clients and contractors in the international hotel industry, currently 74 new hotels and resorts with a total of more than 15,200 rooms are in the pipeline for Thailand.

The InterContinental Hotels Group relies on the holiday destination of Phuket and develops a resort with 454 rooms. The resort will include 75 private apartments and 13 hillside villas as well as gardens. The opening is planned for 2019. The group already operates 19 properties in Thailand.

Another major project is the Grand Hotel Eastin Grand Phayathai in the capital Bangkok, a luxury hotel with 569 rooms (opening should be end of 2019). Also in the capital, a new business hotel with 442 rooms, the Grande Centre Point Hotel will open its doors at the end of this year.

The number of foreign guests recently grew in Thailand by around three percent. It has been estimated that this number will increase by another 17 percent within the next ten years. Currently Chinese guests are, with 25 percent, the largest group of tourists in Thailand.

Olympic Winter Games promotes tourism in China – 676 new top hotels and luxury resorts in the pipeline

Beijing, China – 25 August 2015 – The Olympic Winter Games 2022 will take place in Peking and the new winter sports area in Chongli – which promotes the tourism and several new hotel projects. According to TOPHOTELPORJECTS, the worldwide leading provider for global b2b hotel data, currently 676 new top hotels and luxury resorts with about 205,000 rooms are in the pipeline.

New luxury gambling resort Wynn Palace in Macao will open early next year

A new high-speed rail network will drive to the winter sports center Chongli in the Hebei province in the North West of the capital. Spectators, athletes and journalists can then arrive in only 50 minutes. By car it takes three to four hours for the 200-kilometer stretch. In Chongli in the mountains new courses and lifts as well as snow cannons are required. Also several hotels are needed. Currently a 200-room hotel by the Starwood hotel brand Element is planned to open in autumn 2017.

19 new properties with 3,800 rooms are currently being built in Beijing, among them several luxury hotels such as a Bulgari Hotel (120 rooms) and two properties by Mandarin Oriental Hotels (74 and 241 rooms).

The largest hotel projects in China:
Moringa Hotel Sanya Beauty Crown – Sanya/Hainan – 6,000 rooms – opening: spring 2016
Wynn Palace – Macau – 2,000 rooms – opening: early 2016
Pacific Dream Plaza Hotel – Qingdao/Shandong – 1,500 rooms – opening tba
Atlantis Resort – Sanya/Hainan – 1,300 rooms – opening: autumn 2017
Pullman Huizhou Xunliao Bay Resort – Huizhou/Guiangdong – 1,000 rooms – opening: autumn 2016

India relies on mid-classed hotels – 159 new hotel in the pipeline

New Delhi, India – 24 June 2015 – As a traditional travel destination India has to re-focus on new qualities. After partially significant declines of overnight stays by foreign guests – global reporting about series of rapes especially of women from western countries has damaged the tourism enormous – recently the number of tourist arrivals has increased by six percent. Therefore more and more modern top hotels are in the pipeline now. In total currently 159 new first class and luxury hotels with about 29.068 rooms are under construction or in development. This data has been revealed by TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the worldwide leading provider of global b2b hotel data.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar – Guestroom

Domestic tourism in India has increased strongly by 10 percent during the past three years. Especially branded mid-scale hotels – decent quality for affordable rates – are in demand for the growing middle class. The Indian government plans to encourage the business with international tourists and therefore relaxes the visa regulations with further countries.

Also investors already kept an eye on efficient working budget hotel chains and hotel booking portals such as fabhotels.com (former Casa2Inns), Oyo Rooms and stayzilla.com. Hotel companies like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) are more and more focussing India, which is rich in monuments and dreamscapes: recently the tenth Holiday Inn Hotel was opened, a 127 room property in Chandigarh.

The US Company Marriott is establishing its top brand JW Marriott. In Mumbai the second luxury hotel with 585 rooms recently opened close to the international airport. Main features of the hotel are the spacious meeting facilities as well as the luxury spa area.

In autumn Starwood Hotels & Resorts will open a high-end hotel by its St. Regis brand in Mumbai. For this will the exciting Palladium Hotel undergo an extensive refurbishment and extension to become a top hotel with 386 luxury rooms and suites, five restaurants, a club lounge, the bars, pool, fitness area and meeting spaces on 38 floors. With 37 new properties in the pipeline Starwood Hotels is expanding its portfolio in India (currently 43 hotels). Among others the W Retreat & Spa Goa, The Westin Kolkata, Sheraton Hyderabad, Le Meridien Nagpur and the Aloft New Delhi Aerocity are under construction.

Hainan: The tourism of China’s island paradise is booming – 48 luxury resorts in the pipeline

Beijing, China – 28 May 2015 – Paradise on earth: the sun-kissed holiday island Hainan in the south of China is about to be converted into an international tourism destination. Since more than five years the tourism is booming – a public index is recording growth rates of almost 18 percent every year. According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the worldwide leading provider for global b2b hotel data, currently 48 new luxury resorts with more than 20,700 rooms are under construction or in development on Hainan.

The largest hotel project on the island is the spectacular Sanya Beauty Crown Hotel with „seven hotel stars“. The hotel will feature 6,000 rooms and serviced apartments in nine building sections, which will look like trees. The hotel project costs more than a billion US-Dollars and will open its doors in spring 2016. The extraordinary tree shape, the “nine beautiful trees”, should represent the tropical nature of the island, which is also called “Hawaii of China”.

Selected Top hotel projects on Hainan in China (Source: www.tophotelprojects.com)
Hard Rock Hotel Haikou – Hainan – 250 rooms – August 2015
Moringa Hotel Sanya Beauty Crown – Hainan – 6000 rooms & Serviced Apartments – planned opening: spring 2016
St. Regis Qingshui Bay Resort – Hainan – 400 rooms – spring 2016
Swissotel Sanya – Hainan – 300 rooms – spring 2016
Submarine Hotel – Hainan – 175 rooms – early 2016
Jumeirah Haikou Hotel – Hainan – 140 rooms – early 2018

The Chinese have already replaced the Germans as top travelling nation and promote especially in the Middle Kingdom the domestic tourism. Currently China offers more than 2.7 million rooms and 11,700 hotels. The tendency is rising. Recently the tourism archived a revue of 40 billion US-Dollars. Until 2022 it is expected that the market volume will increase up to 100 billion US-Dollars and will therefore surpass the USA.

Tourism boom in Southeast Asia: More new top hotels in the pipeline – Vietnam relies on luxury top hotels and resorts

Saigon, Vietnam – 17 May 2015 – The tourism in Southeast Asia is rising. Especially in Vietnam where the number of new hotel constructions is increasing: According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the worldwide leading provider of global b2b hotel data, currently 50 new top hotels and luxury resorts are in the pipeline, thereof large properties for international hotel brands such as Six Senses, Ritz Carlton, Dusit Thani and JW Marriott.

Dusit Thani Cam Ranh Flowers Resort – Opening late 2016

With 90.7 million residents Vietnam is the third densely populated country in Southeast Asia, behind Indonesia and the Philippines, and surprises with a strong economic growth by six percent in the past year. A similar expansion rate is also expected for this year. The tourism is about to increase its revenue from 10.9 billion US Dollars in 2014 to 12.7 billion US Dollars in 2015. The tourism office is aiming about 8.4 million international visits in 2015 (previous year: 7.9 million). Therefore the infrastructure will be extended in popular holiday destinations such as the Phu Quoc Island.

Selected hotel construction projects in Vietnam
Ritz-Carlton Reserve Vinh Hoi Bay – Quy Nhon – 100 rooms – planned opening: Q2 2016
Six Senses Latitude – Phu Quoc – 136 rooms – opening tbd
Dusit Thani Can Ranh Flowers Resort – Cam Rahn Bay – 439 rooms – opening: late 2016
Four Seasons Cham Island Resort – Quang Nam – 75 rooms – opening tbd

Tourism boom also in Myanmar
Also Myanmar tries to obtain revenue through tourism. After doubling its number of international visitors in 2013, this number increased up to the million in 2014. As the construction of the new major airport Hanthawaddy is delayed, the Yangon International Airport will be expanded until late 2015. According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS currently 14 top hotels, brands such as Shangri-La, Dusit, Pullman (Accor), Hilton and Best Western, are in the pipeline.

In 2013 the hotel portfolio increased from 787 to 923 hotels with 34,834 rooms. The greatest part is located in Yangon (232 hotels with 10,175 rooms) followed by Mandalay (104 hotels), Bagan (77) and the capital Nay Pyi Taw (50) and Taunggyi/Inke Lake (70). The ministry recently calculated a stock of 1,000 hotels with about 10,000 new rooms.

Yangon remains the most popular destination. The occupancy rate at luxury hotels reached greatly 80 percent in 2013. In 2009 it was only at 46 percent. The room rate increased by almost 300 percent from 40 US Dollars to 157 US Dollars in average. The largest hotel is the Sule Shangi-La (former Traders) with 484 rooms as well as the hotels Sedona (450 rooms), Park Royal (359), Chatrium (315), Summit Parkview (250), Inya Lake (239) and Golden Hill (212).

Another strong economic growth by seven percent is recorded in Cambodia. Similar increases are expected for this and the next year. More and more manufacturing sites (focus of clothing) are relocated from China and Vietnam to Cambodia. With a growth of the visitor flow by 17.5 percent up to 4.2 million foreign guests, the tourism revives the demand of customer good as well as the hospitality and gastronomy. According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS currently seven new top hotels (Rosewood, Okura, Shangri-La) are in the pipeline in Cambodia.

Japan needs new top hotel for Olympia Summer Games 2020 – Ten new upscale hotel construction projects with 1,700 rooms

Tokyo, Japan – 22 April 2015 – More and more tourists are visiting Japan, which is in the sense of the government, who plans to become the island country as holiday destination more into the international focus. Especially in Tokyo several new hotel projects are in the pipeline in the next years as the Olympic Summer Games in 2020 promotes the willingness for investments. At these hotel projects economic standards will play a bigger role than before. According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the worldwide leading provider for global b2b hotel data, currently ten new top hotels with 1,780 rooms are in the pipeline.

Four Seasons hotel project with 186 rooms in Kyoto, Japan – Opening scheduled in fall 2016

Within the next 15 years the number of international tourists is about to tripled. Until 2020 this number could reach 20 million; until 2030 the government is targeting 30 million visitors. In 2013 the “ten million border” was crossed for the first time, but in the same year in the international comparison Japan reached only place 27 and within Asia just the eighth place (behind for example South Korea).

The goals are considered to be very ambitious. But with the Summer Olympics and the Paralympics in 2020 the tourism industry in Tokyo will get a powerful boost. Already in 2014 the Japan National Tourism Organization announced another record year with 13,41 million tourists. This was another increase by more than 29% compared to the previous year. With 83,3 percent most of the visitors are Chinese. Reasons for the growing attract of the country are primarily the great Yen course as well as the Visa easement for the South East Asian countries. Furthermore, in the period between July 2013 and July 2014 the entry formalities for eleven countries were simplified.

Already in 2013 it was noticeable that the hotel capacity in Tokyo soon will reach its limit, if further investments should stay out. In 2013 the capital reached in the “business hotels” category an occupancy rate of 82.7 percent and in the “city hotels” category even 85 percent. Although new hotel capacities were added in recent years, business travellers no longer have a free choice where to stay. The most popular places are often booked out. Therefore these hotels can afford to dispense with usual discounts. Thus, increases in sales by ten to twenty percent can be achieved, for example at the Hotel Okura.

The expected tourism crowds arouse the interest of hotel operators and contractors but also by numerous suppliers, who are hoping for business in the equipment segment. The statistics of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), which is responsible for hotel projects, showing that Tokyo currently has about 100,000 hotel rooms.

Both high-class five-star hotels and budget hotels (with costs up to 10,000 yen per night) are on the list of proposed projects. In summer 2014 the hotel chain Hyatt opened the luxurious Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. The 106-room Dormy Inn in the Ueno Okachimachi district, which will be completed later this year by the Kyoritsu Maintenance Company, will be in the more affordable category. Also affordable are four hotels by Sotetsu Holdings with a total of 641 rooms, which are planned by the name “Sotetsu Fresa Inn” for fall 2016.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Debuts Its First Luxury Collection Hotel in Japan

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto Brings Enchanting Destination to Life for Global Travelers

Kyoto, Japan – 15 April 2015 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide today announced the opening of Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto. Owned by Mori Trust Co., Ltd., Suiran marks the first Luxury Collection hotel in Japan, offering the brand’s signature Luxury Collection Concierge service and indigenous experiences in Kyoto – a cultural and spiritual nexus for countless Japanese traditions.

Presidential Suite at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

“We are thrilled to unveil Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto – a portal to the city’s rich cultural heritage and exquisite natural setting,” said Lothar Pehl, Senior Vice President, Operations and Global Initiatives, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “The Luxury Collection’s unique brand proposition combined with renowned Japanese hospitality makes Suiran perfectly poised to strengthen Starwood’s luxury portfolio in Japan.”

“The debut of Suiran marks a significant milestone for The Luxury Collection brand in Japan,” continued Meredith Dichter, Global Brand Director, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “Kyoto, a city shaped by rich traditions, coveted treasures and storied history, is the perfect destination to debut the brand to our most discerning global guests.”

Luxurious Ryokan-Style Accommodations
Located in the Arashiyama district in the western part of Kyoto, Suiran is idyllically situated on the riverside with sweeping views of the Arashiyama hills, a National Historic Site, and Place of Scenic Beauty, which is home to the famed Bamboo Grove. The residential hotel occupies part of the grounds of Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site that formerly housed “Rantei,” a well-known traditional Japanese ryokan from the 1960s long used by the Japanese government to entertain honorable guests.

Suiran features 39 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms, inspired by traditional ryokan-style accommodations, ranging from 500 to 1,000 square feet. Each room is designed to feature traditional motifs and culturally significant hues, while offering unparalleled natural vistas each season: from the dramatic cherry blossoms in Spring and the lush verdure in Summer, to Autumn’s bright tapestry of leaves and silvery blankets of snow in Winter.

Suiran also offers two private treatment rooms equipped with a Japanese-style open-air bath as well as the option for in-room treatments. Guests can enjoy traditional Japanese-style treatments, including SEIRAN, a body massage with tea seed oil, scrub with green tea and facial treatment with jade stones and collagen mask.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences
Suiran has preserved elements of its esteemed past, including two original structures, “Enmei-kaku,” which was built in 1899, and “Hasshoken,” constructed in 1910, which have undergone extensive restoration and now house the hotel’s restaurant, Kyo Suiran, and café, Saryo Hassui. Kyo Suiran offers a traditional yet modern dining experience where guests can enjoy locally inspired flavors in an authentic atmosphere. With its exposed straw-thatched roof, pillars and moon-shaped windows, Saryo Hasui serves exquisite meals centered around Japanese green tea.

“It is an honor to be part of the opening of Suiran, a wonderful addition to The Luxury Collection’s portfolio,” said Hiroshi Komoto, General Manager. “With an esteemed past as well as a Japanese-style experience defined by renowned Japanese hospitality and cuisine, Suiran will resonate with sophisticated and affluent guests seeking a different, more refined side of travel.”

Mumbai Welcomes Its Second JW Marriott Property

Mumbai, India – 14 April 2015 – JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to grow its India presence with the opening of its second hotel in Mumbai– JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. The brand new property promises a sophisticated retreat within the energetic city of Mumbai. Ideally located just one kilometre from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai, the hotel is an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arne M. Sorenson – President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International, said “India is an important part of Marriott International’s global growth strategy. India is a great, growing economy and as that economy grows, its need for hotel rooms grows too. JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar will be a premier luxury business hotel in India, setting a benchmark for service excellence.”

Spanning more than 15 acres, the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is set to deliver an unparalleled experience, from its stunning design and signature service to a compelling restaurant scene celebrating local Indian cuisine. The hotel’s stylish lobby features open spaces and natural light anchored by a striking crystal chandelier descending down into an oversized marble bowl.

The luxury five-star property features 585 intimate rooms, which include 163 deluxe pool view rooms, 23 deluxe suites, 23 executive balcony rooms and one presidential suite. The property also boasts some of the most spacious guest rooms in its immediate vicinity.

Guests are invited to explore distinct dining options on property. The chic and contemporary JW Café isan all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant with an alfresco seating area while Romano’s offers authentic, home-style Italian fare. The Romano’s bar also offers decadent cocktails and mocktails as well as a premiere selection of revered Italian wines. Located at the heart of the property is the JW Lounge, which serves as a cafe by day and a stylish lounge by night. The JW Baking Company offers indulgent pastries, coffee and deli favorites. .

To accommodate large-format events and social gatherings, the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar boasts a pillarless 10,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, indoor and outdoor convention spaces, and 11 well-appointed meeting rooms with state-of-the-art conferencing and business facilities. The property’s spacious JW Lawns and Dining Theatre are ideal venues to accommodate picturesque weddings and social gatherings.

The hotel houses JW Marriott’s new branded spa concept Spa by JW. The Mumbai Sahar location is the first Spa by JW in Asia Pacific and the second worldwide. The spa promises to impart an environment of harmony and wellness, offering bespoke treatments and a range of classic spa rituals. All treatments are tailor-made to guests’ exact needs and are focused on four distinct benefit states – Calm, Indulge, Invigorate and Renew.

Spa by JW features seven treatment rooms including one couples treatment room and one ayurvedic treatment room that offers ancient beauty rituals using fresh and natural ingredients. Other facilities include a private couples jacuzzi, a dressing and make-up room, two steam and sauna rooms and two separate jacuzzis for men and women. Spa by JW hopes to be a one-stop shop for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, whether travelers are on a tight schedule or have time to spare.

Additional facilities include, The JW Fitness Centre open 24-hours a daywith the state-of-the-art equipment, catering to the needs of the fitness conscious. Poolside cabanas also make a perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.

With the debut of JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, the JW Marriott brand now has seven hotels in India. Other locations include Bangalore, Chandigarh, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune and Mussoorie.

Courtyard by Marriott Debuts in Agra – First Marriott International Property Launches in the City of Love

Agra, India – 03 March 2015 – Marriott International continues its dynamic growth in India with the latest opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Located in the beautiful city of Agra, home to the world renowned “Taj Mahal”, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Courtyard by Marriott Agra is the 12th property for the brand in India. The hotel endeavour’s to be a preferred getaway destination offering Indian hospitality with an international flair.

Courtyard by Marriott Agra India – Luxury Room

Courtyard by Marriott Agra guest roomWell-appointed rooms, varied F&B options and expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces ensure that every stay is truly memorable, be it dedicated to work or family. The 189-room property is designed to anticipate guests’ basic needs—functionality, safety, consistency, comfort and value—providing a warm, sophisticated environment and a variety of options that allow guests to stay connected, productive and refreshed during their stay.

With the Taj Mahal in close proximity, the hotel boasts the largest suite inventory in the city – ideal for long stay business or leisure alike. The elegantly structured architecture with 189 well-appointed guest rooms and 18 exquisite suites offers a sense of warmth and comfort. The thoughtfully designed rooms provide the optimum balance between work and relaxation, with state of the art amenities and wonderful views of the landscaped gardens or the pool, perfectly complemented by a selection of dining options, recreation and wellness facilities.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajeev Menon, Area Vice President, South-Asia, Marriott International, said, “Agra is a significant tourist and business destination for expats and corporates alike. The Courtyard by Marriott Agra has been launched, keeping in mind the needs of such travellers.” He further adds, “All our properties in India are market leaders in their operative segments, we aim for nothing less with the Courtyard by Marriott Agra as well. This property is also testimony of our vision for the brand Courtyard by Marriott and its standards of excellence. With this launch, Marriott International is now present in the Golden Triangle, with hotels in Delhi NCR, Jaipur and Agra.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Vishal Bharti, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Agra said, “The opening of Courtyard by Marriott Agra marks our entry into one of the most important leisure cities in India.” He further adds, “Agra being one of the most important tourist destinations in North India, we are excited to offer business and leisure traveller’s the best in class customer service, where every guest experience will be curated to perfection.”

The hotel also offers large conference and banquet facilities, with more than 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor banquet space, which can accommodate up to 1200 guests.Magnificent lawn and extensive banqueting spaces make a perfect setting for social or business engagements. An on-site events team will ensure flawless coordination and execution, be it a lavish wedding or social event.

Guests are invited to explore three unique restaurants on property. MoMo Cafe, a chic all day dining restaurant which is contemporary, warm, welcoming and offers a gastronomic à la carte and the largest buffet spread in Agra, with a menu featuring fresh ingredients and international flavors. MoMo 2 Go, the coffee shop certifies the best bakery in town while MoMo To You, a round-the-clock in-room dining menu offers guests the option of dining in the comfort of their rooms.  Onyx Bar at the hotel serves a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails with delectable finger-foods to go, giving our patrons and guests, that perfect backdrop to just sit back and unwind, at close of day.

The hotel is located near popular attractions and shopping districts including the Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid and Kinari Bazaar. Guests driving from Delhi can also easily access the hotel from the Delhi – Agra Yamuna Expressway. With its ideal location supported by warm, caring and personalised service, Courtyard by Marriott, Agra endeavour’s to become the most preferred hotel for business and leisure travellers in the city of love.