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| Sofitel Shanghai Jing’an (impression) will open in 2011 |
Sofitel Luxury Hotels Announces Large Network Expansion in Asia Pacific
EIGHT new properties to be opened within 12 months
Global luxury hospitality leader, Sofitel Luxury Hotels announced today the expansion of its network across Asia Pacific, with the addition of eight new properties, including key openings in Phnom Penh and Mumbai, and a new signature Sofitel for Shanghai. The new openings will also feature the debut of Sofitel's boutique off-shoot 'So' in Bangkok. The expansion of Accor's luxury brand comes at a time of major recovery in Asia's 5-star market.
All new Sofitel Hotels will showcase the new standards of the Sofitel Luxury brand, which boasts a strong link between its French heritage and the local cultures of the countries in which the brand operates.
The new Sofitel hotels are:
· Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental (China – opened August 2010)
· Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra (Cambodia – December 2010)
· Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich (China - Spring 2011)
· Sofitel Qingdao (China - Spring 2011)
· Sofitel Mumbai BKC (India – Spring 2011)
· Sofitel Shanghai Jing'an (China – Fall 2011)
· Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit (Thailand – Fall 2011)
· Sofitel So Bangkok (Thailand – Fall 2011)
Commenting on the rapid expansion of Sofitel Luxury Hotels in China, Michel Molliet, Vice President of Sofitel Luxury Hotels Greater China said, "Sofitel Luxury Hotels has gained momentum and recognition in the China market with our existing network across first and second-tier cities. With four new hotels between 2010-2011, as well as three more under development between 2013-14, (in Sanya Haitang Bay, Haikou and Lianyungang), Sofitel Luxury Hotels will further reinforce its strong positioning for both leisure and business travelers."
Since the heralded announcement three years ago of its move upscale, more than 80 hotels have left the Sofitel Luxury Hotels network from the original count of over 200 hotels. Together with the introduction of two sister brands, Sofitel Legend in 2009 and Sofitel So in 2010, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is now in a strong position to offer unique sensations and pleasures of luxury that will forever leave an impression on those who stay in its hotels.
Sofitel's new positioning centres around the idea that human relations lie at the heart of luxury. The French brand strongly believes the interpretation of "luxury" is firmly based on the guest's experience.
"The French origin is in our brand DNA," explained Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President of Sofitel Luxury Hotels Asia Pacific. "We enhance the experience with our know-how complimented by our French connections and the best of local culture. This is apparent in the importance we place on design, working with world renowned designers and integrating elements of the local culture."
While continuously pursuing strategic management opportunities in Asia Pacific, in 2011, Sofitel Luxury Hotels will introduce a series of arts, cultural and gastronomic events always connecting France to the region, including Fête de la Musique (music events on the date of summer arrival in Sofitel from around the world), Polka Exhibition (fashion still-shot exhibition by famous Parisian Polka Gallery) and La Cellule (poetic & surreal installation and performance by 2 famous French artists).
"Together with our "InspiredMeetings" innovation created for all MICE planners, the network of Sofitel Luxury Hotels in Asia Pacific provides increasingly diverse destinations, state-of-the-art facilities, and an authentic French offering," added Markland Blaiklock. "We strongly believe 'Life is Magnifique' in Sofitel Luxury Hotels."
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