Lanson Place Hospitality Management is exploring both investment and management opportunities to further grow the brand in major gateway cities in Asia-Pacific.
Poised to open its eighth property in Manila in 2Q2023 and its ninth in Melbourne in 2024, the management company had an “interesting discussion” to develop a “talent serviced apartment” in Shenzhen’s Greater Bay Area, which is being primed to welcome various industries and attract young talents, shared CEO Michael Hobson.
Lanson Place is also looking to own and manage properties for a more permanent presence in Shanghai and Beijing where its parent company, Hong Kong-listed Wing Tai Properties, has a presence.
The group has two high-end serviced apartments in Shanghai – Lanson Place Aroma Garden and Lanson Place Parkside.
Hobson said Lanson Place was keen on establishing a footprint in Tokyo three years ago, but plans were marred by the onset of Covid-19. Another target is London where Wing Tai already has properties in Mayfair.
Lanson Place has a compendium of seven managed properties – three in Hong Kong, two in China, and one each in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur – with a total of 1,000 rooms and residences.
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens in Melbourne will have 137 serviced units when it opens in 2024.
Lanson Place Mall of Asia in Manila will be its biggest property, with 247 hotel keys and 143 residential suites. It is the first hybrid hotel-branded residence for SMX Hotels and Conventions, which has nine mid-scale to luxury hotels and eight exhibition and convention venues throughout the Philippines.
Laurent Boisdron, vice president and general manager of Lanson Place Mall of Asia, said the property will have a full-service operation when it opens in April next year, including a spa, five F&B outlets, a grand ballroom and seven meeting rooms.
Boisdron added that targeted clientele comprises the strong domestic leisure market; corporates, with the numerous companies around the Manila Bay area; and business events, due to its proximity to SMX Convention Center Manila.
Not only have studies shown greater demand across the world for the hybrid hotel and serviced residences model as travellers now tend to stay longer in a destination, the hybrid model also presents lower risks to investors.
Prior to joining The Hari Hong Kong, Snoeks was general manager of Meliá Chiang Mai. Other positions he has held include pre-opening general manager of Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok & The Residences, as well as Thailand’s regional general manager and general manager of The Okura Prestige Bangkok.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator has opened its latest property in the Thai capital – Centra by Centara Bangkok Phra Nakhon.
Guests can expect a fresh and brighter space, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering views across the runway and abundant plants. In total, there are 149 chairs and ottomans, which have been reupholstered using GREENGUARD-certified upholstery to reduce landfill waste.
Whyte has over 30 years of senior travel industry experience, including at Travelport and Virtuoso in Australia, New Zealand and the US. He was previously the regional commercial manager at Sabre.
Following a successful collaboration between Cvent and Zoom Video Communications, Inc in delivering an engaging end-to-end hybrid experience at Zoomtopia 2022, Zoom’s global hybrid conference, both companies are now working to bring the same capabilities to other organisations via the Zoom App Marketplace.
“We recognise the value Cvent brings as a long-time leader powering in-person events around the world,” said Steven Li, ISV sales and strategy leader at Zoom.
“Zoom has always been a company built to connect and bring people together, which is why we are excited to team up with Cvent so that our customers can seamlessly tap into our best-in-class platforms to deliver more dynamic and impactful hybrid events.”
“In today’s event environment, an organization’s Total Event Program includes a blend of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to maximise attendee engagement, reach and overall programme impact,” said Cvent CMO Patrick Smith.
“But without the right technology partners, organisations often struggle to effectively manage and execute their more complex hybrid experiences. As a leading communications platform, Zoom recognised this area of opportunity, and we’re excited to work with Zoom to help our mutual clients deliver world-class hybrid experiences.”