Northstar

HOTEL www.travelweeklyweb.com Accor maintains expansion, secures 31 new contracts SHANGHAI – Accor Greater China has secured 31new contracts since the beginning of this year. This includes an additional 6,572 rooms across Sofitel, Pullman, Mei Jue (Grand Mecure), Novotel and ibis. Accor's progress in China exceeds 90 new hotels committed, putting a sound momentum for both upscale and economy hotel markets. The strongest demand came from the Pullman, Mei Jue and ibis brands with new contracts established in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, in line with the group's overall strategy for its expansion. Looking beyond the main cities in China, hotels such as the 22-storey Pullman Zhoushan Seaview, due to open in 2015, provides sea views for all guest rooms. It is the only hotel in the prefecture level city consisting solely of islands. After a major re-engineering that tailored the Grand Mercure brand for the Chinese market announced in February, Mei Jue is meeting with support from developers in the country. One recent contract for the brand is the newly signed Mei Jue Foshan Changcheng, which is ideally situated in the centre of Foshan, in southern Guangdong Province. The brand's first hotel committed in Foshan is of strategic importance for Accor, as Grand Mercure Foshan Chancheng Nanzhuang the city is located in China's most dynamic region and has become the third largest manufacturing base in the Pearl River Delta. Figures from the China Tourist Hotels' Association Abacus opens new offi ces in India SINGAPORE – Following its expansion to Mumbai on May 29, 2012, Abacus opens a new office in Bangalore just two days later. The rise in internet and mobile technology in India helps to spur the growth of travel demand. At the moment, India houses more than 100 million internet users, with travel- related purchases being fourth most common purchases in India (17.7 per cent). India is also one of the most favourable markets for mobile transaction with 75 per cent of Indian consumers voted their preference for using mobile devices for travel-based payments. "With the opening of the new offices, Abacus India will be able to cater to our customers through more efficient channels, with improved resources at our fi ngertips to respond quickly to any issues that may arise," said Brett Henry, vice-president, Abacus India. "We now have a very structured team that services our customers in sales and service, implementation and consulting. It is our intention to grow this further as the India market continues to expand," he added. Angsana Laguna Phuket partners with Attica PHUKET – Angsana Laguna Phuket has joined forces with Attica Group, a Singapore-based nightlife operator to launch XANA, a new all-day beach club concept on the island of Phuket, Thailand. Officially open on June 30, 2012, the launch will be hosted by celebrity deejays from around the world. The beach club will feature a contemporary, sleek and expansive view of Bang Tao Bay. XANA will feature a 35-metre swim-up pool bar overlooking the beach, and four exclusive cabanas that can accommodate up to 14 In the Coming Issue... We look at the Indian subcontinent, particularly at the up and coming resorts and their direction in attracting new travellers. If you have any stories to share on these venues, drop your comments via email to the Editor or fi nd us on our twitter page, @TravelWeeklyWeb. 8 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | 19 JUNE 2012 www.travelweeklyweb.com people each. Double and single loungers also offer a breathtaking front-row view of the Andaman Sea, available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. But that is not all that XANA can offer. With its multi-levels and picturesque location, the beachclub can also serve as an idyllic venue for events, from product launches to weddings. Both large and small groups can be facilitated at the Angsana Laguna Phuket, with 409 rooms, and an abundance of activities to keep travellers of all age groups entertained. suggest that the economy hotel segment now accounts for 30 per cent of the Chinese mainland's hotel industry and that the industry still expects huge development potential. XANA, the new beach club at Angsana Laguna Phuket Image courtesy of Angsana Hotels & Resorts

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