The FINANCIAL — Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced its world-renowned Sheraton brand will continue to expand its footprint in Thailand with the signing of Sheraton Samui Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. The agreement with TCC Hotels Group, a member of the TCC Land Group, marks the conversion of the existing 141-room Imperial Samui Beach Resort to a Sheraton, anticipated to take place by December 2014, according to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
“We are pleased to be able to continue the partnership and further strengthen our relationship with TCC Hotels Group, one of the leading developers in Thailand, on this conversion in Koh Samui, a popular resort destination,” said Lothar Pehl, Senior Vice President, Operations and Global Initiatives and Regional Vice President, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam; and Japan, Korea and Guam, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Sheraton is a global icon, with a strong reputation in key feeder markets for this location, and the hotel will strengthen our growing presence in Thailand,” Pehl added.
Sheraton Samui Resort marks the 7th property managed by Starwood under the ownership of TCC Hotels Group and is testament to the strength of the relationship. The other six properties that have resulted from the long-term partnership in Asia Pacific includes the Le Meridien Angkor, Le Meridien Bangkok, Le Meridien Chiang Mai, Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui and The Westin Kuala Lumpur; alongside Plaza Athenee, a Royal Meridien Hotel that recently re-committed to an extension under Starwood’s management.
Koh Samui is within easy reach with near to hourly departures to and from Bangkok, and excellent direct international accessibility from key feeder markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Approximately a 15-minute drive from the Koh Samui International Airport, Sheraton Samui Resort sits on Chaweng Noi Beach, one of the most beautiful and longest stretches of white sandy beach on the east coast of Koh Samui. The town of Chaweng, a vibrant shopping and entertainment area, is also only a short 3km away, according to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
“The expansion and rebranding underscores TCC Hotels Group’s confidence and commitment to the future of Thailand’s tourism industry as it continues to embrace the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015,” highlighted Khun Wallapa Traisorat, President of TCC Hotels Group, a member of the TCC Land Group.
“Starwood has developed a conversion-friendly strategy for existing hotels to meet the demands of owners and guests. With our powerful platforms, we are able to help our partners reposition existing assets in a cost-effective manner. Given that many are well-located but under-branded hotels, they present untapped opportunities for Starwood and is another channel for our growth. Thailand has already seen three conversions in the past few years,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Vice President of Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.
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