Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com 17 OCTOBER 2019 D AY 2 TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA I T B A S I A S H O W D A I L I E S 4 MBS to celebrate 10th anniversary with new offerings, refurbishments BY IAN JARRETT New Similan Ballroom for Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort BY NAOMI NEOH Tourist arrivals to the Maldives hit the one-million mark in August, a crucial milestone in the nation's plan to attract 1.5 million visitors this year. China, the country's top source of arrivals, provided 172,800 tourists in the first seven months this year making up 17.4% of total visitor arrivals. In 2018, the Maldives drew 1.4 million tourists. The country's reputation as a luxury destination is about to change with the opening of Crossroad Maldives, the country's first integrated resort which is positioned as an upscale offering. The development, built on a group of nine islands in Emboodhoofalhu, officially opened its first phase on Sept 21. Two resorts – the 178-key Hard Rock Hotel The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort in Laguna Phuket will open a new meeting and convention centre late 2019. The new Similan Ballroom will offer more than 1,600sqm of flexible meeting spaces, a new pillar-less ballroom with 6m-high ceilings and movable partition walls, multiple break-out rooms and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout. The 448sqm-main ballroom can be separated into three multi- purpose function spaces. Combined with the large pre-function area, a VIP lounge, and space for 350 guests theatre-style, the new complex has been designed to target the high-end, mid-sized meeting sector across Asia Pacific and beyond. The standalone convention centre has a dedicated private entrance to the left of the resort lobby. This will ensure group privacy and event flexibility. Located 30 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the company says the new ballroom will make the Outrigger Laguna Maldives and 198-key SAii Lagoon Maldives – and lifestyle hub The Marina @ Crossroads have opened their doors. The US$800 million lifestyle development comprises a collection of restaurants and bars, boutique stores, including facilities such as an event hall, 30-yacht berthing marina, beach club Café del Mar and a Marine Discovery Centre. Developer Singha Estate PLC, a Thailand-based real estate company, expects the project to cost US$800 million by the time it is completed in 2022. The development is close to key international gateways and is accessible via public ferry twice daily from Malé, Hulhulé, Hulhumalé and Maafushi. Maldives opens doors to mid-tier market Refreshed ballroom, new restaurants and US$3.2 billion expansion plan in the works BY STANLEY HO VISIT: BOOTH K55. Marina Bay Sands is the world's most instagrammed hotel. VISIT: BOOTH E18, BASEMENT 2 Maldives is well on its way to increase visitor arrivals beyond the target of 1.5 million this year. VISIT: BOOTH C11, BASEMENT 2. Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort will add a new convention centre by year-end. CREDIT: ANIROMAKS/GETTY IMAGES CREDIT: PIXABAY Phuket Beach Resort a leading player in the MICE sector. C elebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) in Singapore will be introducing new food and beverage offerings and has completed a refurbishment of its MICE facilities, setting the stage for its imminent S$4.5 billion (US$3.2 billion) expansion plan. The world's most instagrammed hotel is set to welcome Hong Kong's multi- award winning contemporary Chinese restaurant, Mott 32, early next year. In addition, the Michelin-starred Waku Ghin is currently undergoing extensive renovations, with an opening slated for early 2020, said MBS vice president of sales Mike Lee. In addition, the integrated resort has recently completed the renovation of its Sands Grand Ballroom and the venue now sports a fresher look with new carpets and chandeliers. "The enhancements mean clients will be able to offer a more refreshed experience and ambience for events held at this venue," said Mr Lee. In the years ahead, visitors can look forward to the addition of an all-suite fourth hotel tower as part of its massive expansion, which will include a sky roof with a swimming pool and restaurant, a 15,000-seat entertainment arena, as well as additional MICE space and capabilities.

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