Hotel industry and travel news from around the Asia Pacific region; this week: HK Ocean Park to open hotel, emerging markets drive growth, new hotel zone in Yangon and more....

Vietnam Targets 7.2 Million International Tourists for 2013
 
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Vietnam has targeted to attract 7.2 million international visitors for 2013, which will be a new record for the country. Vietnam saw 6.85 million international visitors in 2012, a 14% increase from 2011. The target of 7.2 million visitors for 2013 would translate to an increase of only 5.2%, and should growth rates in 2013 mimic that of 2012, visitor arrivals are expected to exceed the targeted 7.2 million. VNAT will focus marketing Vietnam to eight key markets: China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, France and Russia. Domestic tourism numbers in the country are expected to increase by 7.7% from 32.5 million trips in 2012 to 35 million trips in 2013, while total tourism receipts in Vietnam are targeted at US$9.1 billion in 2013.

Emerging Markets to Drive Starwood's Portfolio in 2013
 
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is anticipating a strong year of openings and hotel signing in 2013, with emerging markets expected to drive this portfolio growth. Almost two-thirds of Starwood's new hotels in 2013 will open in emerging markets such as Tajikistan, Vietnam and Bangladesh, with continued expansion in India and China. The pipeline in Asia accounts for over half of Starwood's global pipeline. Some of the new properties opening later this year in Asia Pacific include the first W Hotel in mainland China - W Guangzhou, Vana Belle in Koh Samui and The Castle Hotel in Dalian. Close to 20 Sheraton properties will open in 2013, of which nine will be located in China. Additionally, new Westin properties will open in Chennai, Haikou, Sanya, Qingdao, Chongqing and Singapore, while new Le Meridien hotels will be located in Zhengzhou, Ho Chi Minh City and Dhaka.

Mandala to Have 15 Aircraft by 2014
 
Indonesia-based Mandala Airlines will increase its inventory of aircraft to 15 by 2014. The low-cost carrier will put into operation 15 Airbus 320s by 2014, as part of its expansion plans. Additionally, the airline is set to open three new routes next month from Pekanbaru in Riau to major cities such as Medan, Jakarta and Singapore. Manadala plans to implement a joint code sharing with Tiger Airways, its parent company, in the future, enabling Mandala customers to fly to Tiger destinations such as India. The airline is planning to have 25 aircrafts in operation by 2015.
 
Hong Kong's Ocean Park to Develop New Hotel 
 
Hong Kong's Ocean Park will be developing a 495-room hotel which will be built on a 17,044 square metres site in front of the park's main entrance as part of their expansion plans. The hotel is currently seeking tenders and the contract for the work is due to be signed by fourth quarter of 2013, with the hotel's completion targeted by 2016. Hong Kong's MTR South Island Line is expected to be completed in 2015, which together with the new hotel will help to attract more visitors to make the Southern District their holiday base. Other phases in Ocean Park's expansion plan include the opening of a new shark aquarium and a koala exhibit in 2014. 
 
Langham Launches Chinese Hospitality Programme

Langham Hospitality Group has launched a programme, 'Ying', targeted at Chinese travellers. The programme will consist of four areas: Ying Specialities, Ying Welcome, Ying In-room and Ying Cuisine, which are tailored to the needs of guests from mainland China. As outbound tourists from China are estimated to reach 100 million by 2020, several other major hotel groups have launched similar programmes such as Hilton's Huanying and Marriott's Li Yi, to attract the China outbound market. Other hotel groups such as IHG have launched a brand specifically for the Chinese market, Hualuxue Hotels & Resorts, while Accor has customised its Grand Mercure brand for Chinese travellers. 
 
Myanmar to Develop New Hotel Zone in Yangon

Yangon is set to develop a new hotel zone in the suburban area of Dagon Myothit to cope with the growing visitor numbers. Due to improved international relations in 2012, Myanmar has experienced a strong increase in foreign visitors. To meet the growing hotel demand, the Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism have started planning a new hotel zone between Yangon International Airport and the new Hanthawaddy International Airport, which is expected to be implemented by 2013. Additionally, several districts within Yangon such as Mingaladon, Htaukkyant and Hlegu have been earmarked for the development of new hotel zones as well.

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