Frasers Hospitality invest S$250 million into Japan Portfolio

Singapore-based Frasers Hospitality, a member of Frasers Property Group, has kickstarted the year with a S$250 million investment in Capri by Fraser, Ginza / Japan. Launched under the Group’s millennial-focused hotel residence brand, the new development will be located within Tokyo’s prime entertainment district of Ginza. Strategically sited close to the Shimbashi Station, the serviced residences will provide convenient access to the CBD. The property is also situated in close vicinity to Shiodome City Centre, which is home to companies such as Fujitsu and All Nippon Airways. Slated to open in 2020, Capri by Fraser, Ginza / Japan will complement Fraser Suites Akasaka, which is also scheduled to open in the same year and will provide luxurious studio and one bed-room apartments in downtown Tokyo. While the company entered the Japanese market in 2010 with the opening of Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka, both brands, Capri by Fraser and Fraser Suites, will make their debut to the Japanese capital in 2020.

Vietnam welcomed 12.9 million international visitors in 2017

Vietnam’s tourism sector closed 2017 on a strong note as international tourist arrivals reached 12.9 million, an increase of 29.1% over 2016, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT). In December alone, the country welcomed 1.3 million international visitors, an increase of 8.9% from November and an uplift of 42.2% over December 2016. International visitors from Asia recorded the strongest growth of 34.4%, with Chinese visitors surging by 48.6% to reach a record 4 million and Korean visitors growing by 56.4% to 2.4 million. Outside of Asia, the strongest growth, at 32.3%, was seen in Russian tourists. The launch of an electronic visa system (e-Visa) for citizens from 40 countries, including China and Korea, and visa waivers for some additional countries at the beginning of 2017, has contributed to the significant surge in tourist arrivals. The tourism sector is aiming to welcome more than 16 million international visitors in 2018 to reach a target of 17 to 20 million by 2020.

Qatar Airways commence inaugural flight to Penang

The award-winning airline, Qatar Airways, has continued its expansion into South East Asia with the commencement of flight services to Penang, the company’s second destination in Malaysia.
Operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Qatar Airways flight QR 850 will connect travellers from Hamad International Airport (Doha) to Penang International Airport thrice weekly until 1 July 2018. After 1 July 2018, the service will increase its frequency to four times per week. The airplane will offer a total capacity of 254 seats, with 22 seats and 232 seats in Business Class and Economy Class respectively. The airline’s first service to Malaysia originated in December 2001 with a triple daily service to Kuala Lumpur. Prior to the introduction of the new service to Penang, Qatar Airways has also launched new routes to Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Asia Prestige Management Limited debuts Zazz hotel in Bangkok

Hong Kong-based Asia Prestige Management Limited (APM) has announced the launch of Zazz Urban Bangkok, the brand’s newest flagship hotel. Located within TC Green on Rama IX road, the boutique hotel will feature 48 guestrooms, consisting of 33 standard rooms, 13 premium rooms and 2 suites. Facilities include a fitness centre, an all-day dining restaurant called Day’Li, ZOOK rooftop bar, a co-working room on the mezzanine floor and a private meeting room on the rooftop. The hotel is managed by Unicorn Hotels & Resorts, and is a joint venture between APM and Unicorn Hotels & Resorts. APM specialises in real estate investment and development and hospitality management. Upcoming projects include Zazz Urban Vietnam, Treasure Oasis Hotel Cambodia and Zazz Escape Maldives.

Absolute Share Price Performance, as on 9 February 2018