Hotel industry and travel news from around the Asia Pacific region; this week: SilverNeedle debuts Perth, Singapore opens Marine Park, Thailand's MICE continues to grow stronger and more...

Sage Hotel Secured in Perth

A month earlier, a Sage Hotel was announced for Brisbane. SilverNeedle Hospitality has now announced its second property being clinched for its new upscale Sage brand and is to open in March 2016. Iqbal Jumabhoy, managing director and CEO of SilverNeedle Hospitality emphasise Sage Hotels is to cater to an important group of business travellers who desire a stable and uncomplicated stay in unfamiliar cities. Situated in West Perth near the central business district, the 101-room hotel will form part of a two-building site offering a mix of modern and heritage designed rooms. SilverNeedle also manages the 99-room Country Comfort Inter City in the state of Western Australia.
  
YTL Hotels Introduces New Brand to Asia

YTL Hotels has announced the first property under its new brand, Kasara, which promises luxurious yet authentic experiences: Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse in Hokkaido. Kasara will also expand its portfolio to include properties in Koh Samui, Thailand and Pulau Tiga, Borneo, where it weaves local influences, cultures and traditions with luxury amenities. In the coming future, authentic experiences await the Kasara guest, alongside stunning properties in exotic locations all over Asia. Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse will open its doors on 1 December.
 
First Marine Park in Singapore

Located at South Sister's Island, tourists to Singapore can look forward to a new marine park to be built for national development. The new park will span about 40 hectors, around Sisters' Islands and along the western reefs of St John's Island and Pulau Tekukor. The National Parks Board (NParks) is working with marine nature groups on guided intertidal walks and dive trips featuring a variety of coral, fish and other marine life. The park will provide basic facilities for outreach and education activities on St John's Island. By next month, guided tours will be available to Big Sister's Island, one of the two Sisters' Islands.

More Major International Events Expected For Thailand

Thailand's MICE continues to grow stronger as major international conferences and events scheduled to take place in Thailand from 2H2014 to 2015 will go ahead as planned even while Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) continues to attract more events into the country. By October 2014, such events are expected to attract at least 50,000 visitors and by the final quarter of the 2014 fiscal year, a total of 157,930 high-quality business travellers. There are 15 other bids Thailand has recently won that will draw almost 10,000 international visitors in total. TCEB revised its forecast for Thailand's MICE industry this year, predicting 87.2 billion baht (US$2.7 billion) in revenue and 888,210 MICE travellers.

Avani to Increase Presence across Asia

Avani will grow fastest compared to other brands of Minor Hotel Group (MHG) and push its upscale Avani brand across Asia, the Middle East and Africa in the next few years. The group has identified noted a growing demand for the four-star brand, which positions itself as offering "affordable luxury with contemporary living space for leisure and business". Currently operating with 5 Avani properties in Asia, MHG plans to expand with 2 more properties in Bangkok, another in Seychelles and Bali after. MHG currently has 110 hotels across 14 countries. In 2012, it announced its plan to double in size over five years, from about 80 hotels to 150.
 
IHG Makes Its Comeback to Brisbane

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has inked a franchise agreement with Pro Invest to manage the first Holiday Inn Express in Brisbane. The 226-key Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Spring Hill will be situated close to the 'Golden Triangle' in Brisbane's central business district, providing easy access to business, retail, entertainment and leisure options. As the third-most populous city in Australia, Brisbane has immense growth potential as it sees steady increase in the number of domestic and international travellers. The building of the new property is a significant milestone for IHG.

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