Hotel industry and travel news from around the Asia Pacific region; this week: Asia the driving force, Ascott hits 10K apartments in China, Genting unveils masterplan and more....

Asia a driving force in tourism – ITB

During the first eight months of 2013, international departures from Asia increased by eight per cent. International departures from China grew by 26% which contributed significantly towards this trend. Asian source markets are expected to grow by around nine per cent in 2014. Overall, forecasts predict increasing international departures from Asia over the next few years, due mainly to economic growth and an expanding middle class that is both educated and young.

Ascott crosses Milestone of 10,000 Apartment Units in China

CapitaLand's wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited has crossed its milestone of having 10,000 apartment units in China. This cements Ascott's position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in China with 56 properties across 20 cities. Ascott's target is to achieve 12,000 apartment units in China by 2015.

Tokyo Marriott Hotel Opens

Marriott International announces the opening of the Tokyo Marriott Hotel. This represents the global hospitality company's 12th hotel in Japan and the third under its flagship Marriott Hotels brand. The hotel has 249 rooms and is easily accessible through the Tokaido bullet train, Haneda Airport and the Yamanote Line circling central Tokyo. With this opening, Marriott International is poised to meet the growing demand for quality hospitality experiences in the country ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics.

DoubleTree by Hilton enters Suzhou, Anhui

DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of the 23-story, 301-room DoubleTree by Hilton Anhui-Suzhou. This opening marks the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Suzhou and Anhui Province. Strategically located in the Bianhe New Developing Zone, the hotel is within walking distance of the scenic Delta Park and provides easy access to the Suzhou Hi-tech Development Zone; making it ideal for business and leisure travellers. It also features 1820 square meters of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet space.

Centara plans to expand its resorts in both Rayong and Trat, Thailand

Centara resorts in both Rayong and Trat are due to be expanded due to the success of both destinations. Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas which was awarded with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence this year will expand its villa and suites count from 44 to 70. Meanwhile, the Rayong property will be rebranded to Centara Sappaya Design Resort Rayong and will be repositioned to attract individuals looking for a design-minded trendy accommodation. It currently features 13 designed accommodation units and will be expanded to add 30 new rooms to the resort by 2014.

Genting Malaysia unveils redevelopment master plan

Genting Malaysia recently announced a RM 5 billion (US$ 1.53 billion) 10-year redevelopment, expansion and refurbishment plan for its hotels, theme park and other infrastructure at Resorts World Genting. This plan, known as the Genting Integrated Tourism Plan will be carried out in phases. Phase One is scheduled for completion in 2016 and includes the development of the world's first Twentieth Century Fox World Theme park, a 10,000 seat show arena, a 1,300-room three-star hotel as well as the refurbishment and upgrading and modernisation of Genting Grand, Maxims, Resort Hotel, Theme Park Hotel and First World Hotel.

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