Chinese developer Greenland Holdings’ tourism unit sets up Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore
- Greenland Hotel and Tourism Group operates more than 50 hotels in 60 cities globally
- Singapore was chosen because of its proximity to the priority markets of Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia
The company, which operates more than 50 hotels in 60 cities globally, including Bangkok and Chiba, this week announced the launch of its overseas operations centre in the Lion City. The centre, which will operate as the group’s Asia-Pacific hub, will provide hotel management and advisory services.
“Our job is to make sure that we set our presence here in Singapore, but our focus really is to go beyond Singapore and go look for business opportunities around the region and also globally,” William Lau, the centre’s general manager, said. The main reason for opening the centre in Singapore was its proximity and logistical convenience in accessing three of Greenland Hotel and Tourism’s priority markets – Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
The launch follows a recent announcement by Singapore and Thailand that they plan to allow quarantine-free travel for some vaccinated travellers. Greenland Hotel and Tourism is banking on the lifting of travel restrictions under an approach to “live with Covid-19” and the opening of borders in different countries.
Lau said he remained confident about the group’s overseas expansion plans. He also pointed to growing domestic demand in its priority markets, which would reduce Greenland Hotel and Tourism’s dependence on inbound travel.
The group will initially focus on its priority markets before expanding to 15 gateway cities by 2024, Lau added. The company’s brands include its luxury brand Primus, Qube business hotels and the lifestyle-focused Q-Box brand.