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British hotel company Guoman Hotels Group has set its sights on Asia regional expansion following the unveiling of its first hotel in China. The new Guoman Hotel Shanghai which recently opened in China`s most cosmopolitan city, is the group`s first Guoman hotel outside of the United Kingdom.
Established in 2002, Guoman Hotels Group owns and operates 41 hotels in the UK, Malaysia and China across its two brands, the Guoman Hotels deluxe collection and the international four-star Thistle Hotels.
The Group is now targeting between 40 and 50 new openings in Asia over the next five years.
The Guoman Hotels brand currently comprises four luxurious hotels which occupy iconic Central London heritage locations: Charing Cross, The Cumberland, The Royal Horseguards and The Tower. This exclusive collection of landmark properties has earned Guoman Hotels a coveted reputation for blending traditional British charm and hospitality with a chic and inspiring contemporary London lifestyle.
For its China debut, the 442-room Guoman Hotel Shanghai is infused with hallmark British style and service while capturing the modernity and dynamism of China`s largest city.
Signature touches which add a distinctively British flavour to the new hotel include a fleet of black London Taxi Cabs to transport guests to and from the airport and appointments, a British-style concierge – a well known and much loved London institution, butler service, and a British themed restaurant and bar “GB” which stands for Great Britain, as well as Gan Bei or “cheers” in Chinese.
“These elements will set our hotels apart and introduce a uniquely British character,” said Mr. Sanjay Nijhawan, COO International for the Guoman Hotels Group, “British tradition and style is admired the world over, and nowhere more than here in Asia, and we hope to capitalize on this as we roll out our luxury hotels across the region.”
The Guoman Hotel Shanghai will be followed in 2011 by Guoman Hotel Beijing and the group will be constantly looking for opportunities across Asia.
Also residing under the Guoman Hotels Group umbrella is Thistle Hotels, a well-established international four-star hotel brand with more than 30 properties in convenient locations across the UK, including 12 in Central London. Since acquiring the brand in 2002, the Guoman Hotels Group has invested more than GBP100 million in upgrading its UK Thistle hotels. Thistle began its international expansion in 2009, with two properties already operating in Malaysia.
Described as both upscale and informal, Thistle Hotels offer efficient, friendly service and superb facilities, ideal for business or leisure travellers who don`t want to sacrifice convenience and comfort. With Wi-Fi Internet, gym and spa offerings, and professional ‘Let`s Meet@Thistle` meetings and events services, Thistle Hotels intends to fill what it sees as a niche market for international standard, premium four-star hotels in China – and set a new benchmark in this segment across Asia.
Commenting on his company`s ambitious expansion plans for the two hotel brands Mr. Nijhawan added, “Our vision is to emulate the Guoman culture of refined British hospitality combined with the edgy, modern design-led London lifestyle here in China and throughout Asia.”
“As a company, we partner with world-renowned chefs, architects, designers and artists to create outstanding hotels with this distinctive British flair and flavour, and we will now be looking to partner with like-minded developers, hotel owners and hospitality talents here in Asia to roll out our distinctive hotel brands across the region.”
With a successful track record and reputation in the UK, strong financial backing from its parent company, Hong Leong Group, and ambitious plans for expansion, Guoman Hotels Group is undoubtedly a “company to watch” in Asia in the coming years.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
