Asia's Largest Hard Rock Hotel Will Open in Malaysia

Digital travel platform Agoda said there has been a 137% year-over-year increase in international accommodation searches from China for the upcoming Golden Week, October 1-7. Agoda said last year the top searches from China were to Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, Kyoto and Bangkok, while this year, Seoul has emerged as the top destination, leapfrogging Tokyo. Bali has entered the top five in third place, while Bangkok and Osaka are in fourth and fifth.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced they entered into an agreement with Destination Gold Coast Consortium for an Andaz resort in the Golf Coast, Australia. Destination Gold Coast Consortium is a joint venture between The Star Entertainment Group and its two partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. Andaz Gold Coast will be part of an integrated resort masterplan, The Star Gold Coast that is slated to open in mid-2025. This will be the debut of the Andaz brand in Australia and the Pacific region. The hotel will feature 202 guest rooms and suites, occupying floors six to 21 of the 65-story second tower. There will be a fitness center and three food and beverage outlets. The outdoor pool deck on level six will be a destination hotspot with a cocktail bar, a beach club with private cabanas and al fresco dining. There will also be an Andaz Lounge, a signature touchpoint at Andaz hotels.

Launceston in Tasmania, Australia, will be welcoming a five-star designer hotel. The project is a collaboration between local property developer Creative Property Holdings and an unnamed international hotel partner. The hotel will be built at the Paterson Street car park site and, if approved, would feature a range of facilities, including restaurants, a spa and function spaces. CPH said they plan to submit a formal development application to the Launceston City Council in the coming months, with construction to begin in the second half of 2025, if approved.

Dusit International signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saigontourist Group of Vietnam to drive tourism development in Thailand and Vietnam through strategic promotions, enhanced services, and the creation of innovative tourism products. Dusit and Saigontourist are expected to share technical expertise, experience and best practices to help elevate the quality and effectiveness of tourism services in both countries. The two companies will also explore opportunities for joint hotel development and promote each other's tourism officers at major events, festivals and travel fairs.

Marriott Executive Apartments has expanded its footprint in Thailand with the debut of its latest two serviced apartment projects in Bangkok. The projects include Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 101 and Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 50. The Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit 101 offers 140 rooms, including 35-39 square meter studios, 45-55 square meter one-bedroom suites and 74-101 square meter two-bedroom apartments. The Sukhumvit 50 property offers 72 rooms, ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites. Both projects include outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, all-day dining at Bistro M and fully equipped meeting rooms.

Marriott International and Sands China Ltd announced the signing of an agreement to debut The Luxury Collection brand to the market in Macau. Londoner Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is expected to open in January 2025, part of the renovations that are going on at the Londoner property on Cotai in Macau. The hotel will have 2,405 rooms and suites with a selection of bay suites complete with terraces, kid rooms, media rooms and private pools. There will be five dining concepts to round out the amenities.

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts launched Azalea in South Goa, offering 52 rooms, modern amenities, a multi-cuisine restaurant and more. Azalea by Stone Wood is a luxurious retreat set amidst the scenic beauty of Carmona in South Goa, located 700 meters from the White Sands of Carmona Beach. The 52 rooms include deluxe, premium and suite options.

Larisa Resorts plans to open two new properties next year. They currently operate five hotels and three villas across India. The new openings will be in the Himalayan region and near Delhi NCR. The company is in talks to raise capital, previously being self-funded. The funding would be earmarked for their expansion efforts.

Asia's largest Hard Rock Hotel is set to make its grand debut in 2027 at King's Park in Genting Highlands. This will be Malaysia's third Hard Rock Hotel and will be a partnership between HR Hotel & Residences Sdn Bhd and Hard Rock International, signed last October. The resort will feature 1,001 ultra-stylish rooms and suites, a 200 square meter retail mall called Rock Shop, a heated swimming pool, and the Rock Spa. There will be an array of dining options and a chic lounge and bar. King's Park is a RM 10 billion project sprawling across 61 hectares of prime land, poised to become Genting Highland's first central business district and an integrated entertainment haven. After the Hard Rock opens, Malaysia's first Swissotel resort is expected to open in 2028.

SKYH Entertainment Group, who says they have extensive experience developing and operating casinos and integrated resorts in Asia and Europe, is proposing a multi-billion dollar development in Bangkok's Nong Chok district that would include a casino, multiple five-star hotels and MICE facilities plus a Formula 1 circuit and indoor skiing facility. The development would cover around 1,000 acres and SKYH said they have a solid financial structure and would provide minimum gambling tax guarantees and additional revenue share payments to the Thailand government if awarded a license. The project would be partnered with international brands like Marriott, Formula 1, Universal Studios and Disneyland.