Foreign hotel brands pin high hopes on post-pandemic rebound of Southeast Asia

Foreign hotel brands continue expansion in anticipation of Southeast Asia's post-pademic rebound. Photo: The Standard, Hua Hin

Club Med, the French hotel group, is preparing for a strong travel rebound in the Asia-Pacific. In particular, Club Med is searching for prospects in Southeast Asia, notably in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Jean-Charles Fortoul, CEO APAC Resorts of Club Med said, “We have identified Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia as markets that are well-positioned to leverage the rebound and we are on the lookout for investors and partners to tap into the potential of these destinations.”

Meanwhile, The Standard is expanding into key markets in Southeast Asia with the announcement of The Standard, Hua Hin, which is set for December 2021. After that, The Standard will open its highly anticipated Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon in 2022. The US hotel brand is expected to take the lead in tourism recovery as well as explore key hospitality markets in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

“This has been a time of unprecedented crisis for the hospitality industry, and the millions of people around the world who work in the sector. Amidst such challenges, we are incredibly grateful that we continue to be able to delight our guests, serve our communities, and create new opportunities for our team members by building landmark hotels around the world,” said Standard International CEO, Amar Lalvani.

Likewise, IHG Hotels and Resorts plan to develop a Holiday Inn resort in Halong city, Vietnam. The group has partnered with Halong Bay Hotel JSC to open its second Holiday Inn Resort in the country, with another property located in Ho Tram Beach.

By 2025, IHG plans to open two properties under the Intercontinental brand in Halong Bay. In Vietnam, the group now operates 13 hotels, the majority of which are in the luxury and lifestyle class.