Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has entered into an agreement to acquire and assume management of the hotel currently operated by Holiday Inn Brisbane. 

Starting 7 August 2012, the 191-room property that is centrally located above the Brisbane Transit Centre and next to Roma Street Parklands, will be the first Traders hotel operated by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in Australia. 

Following the group's recent acquisition of the 563-room landmark Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney and its current majority stake in Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina in Cairns, Traders Hotel, Brisbane will mark the hotel group's third venture in Australia.

As the third most populous city in the country, Brisbane is a strategic feeder destination to other major Australian cities for the Shangri-La group.  The decision to fully acquire and manage Traders Hotel, Brisbane is in line with Shangri-La's financial commitment and long term vision for Australia.

After China and the United States, the Australian continent represents the third largest market for Shangri-La and forms a key substantial membership base within the worldwide network of 2.1 million members of the company's prolific loyalty programme, Golden Circle. 

Travel partners, corporate executives and meeting planners will also benefit from the Shangri-La's recognized global sales and marketing network as well as ongoing support from the group's established regional presence in Sydney.

For special events, banquets or meetings, Traders Hotel, Brisbane will offer seven meeting rooms which have the ability to be converted into a ballroom for up to 500 guests.  With a total meeting area of 700 square metres and a fully equipped business centre, meeting and social planners will find the hotel flexible enough to host either large gatherings or intimate business conferences. 

MJ's Restaurant and Bar at Traders Hotel, Brisbane will provide all-day dining with the option of both set and ala carte menu options featuring modern Australian cuisine, while MJ's Bar will offer a selection of beverages and light snacks in a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding with friends. 

Alternatively, the hotel's convenient location is only a 10-minute walk from the heart of Brisbane's entertainment and dining district of Southbank.   For travellers on layover or with jetlag, room service is available around the clock.  Another special feature of the 13-storey hotel is its rooftop fitness centre that includes cardio vascular and strength training equipment, as well as relaxing whirlpools.

Established in 1989 and based in major business centres in Asia and the Middle East, Traders Hotels are the practical choice for business and leisure travellers. They complement the luxury brands of Shangri-La and Kerry hotels, and offer many of the same benefits including complimentary Wi-Fi internet service and the Golden Circle guest loyalty programme which enables members to earn and accumulate points that may be redeemed for complimentary room nights, upgrades, dining, spa privileges and airline miles.  Traders Hotels are located in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Changzhou, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Male, Manila, Penang, Shenyang, Singapore and Yangon, with scheduled openings in Chennai (India,) Doha (Qatar,) and Iskandar (Malaysia.)