Bangkok-based ONYX Hospitality Group has announced a management agreement with Laos-based Asia Investment, Development & Construction Sole Co, Ltd. (AIDC), to develop a new-build Amari hotel in the city center of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.
AIDC is an investment and construction joint venture led by Tang Charoen Group, developer of Amari Vang Vieng which opened early this year.
Amari Vientiane will occupy a central Mekong Riverside location at the intersection of Quai Fa Ngum and Khun Bu Lom Roads, a short stroll to the city’s popular ‘night market street’ and the Chao Anouvong Park. Vientiane’s other top city center attractions including the Patuxay Victory Monument, Lao National Museum and Wat Si Saket are easily accessible on foot or by tuk-tuk or fixed-route shared jumbos.
Featuring 250 rooms and suites in a 15-story building, Amari Vientiane will offer all the key Amari brand signatures including service from Amari Hosts, the street market-style Amaya Food Gallery, Breeze Spa, creative meetings facilities and generous indoor and outdoor space thoughtfully designed for sharing and informal gatherings. Other facilities include a specialty restaurant, an outdoor pool, and fully equipped fitness center. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2021.
Douglas Martell, President and Chief Executive Officer, ONYX Hospitality Group, said: “We are excited to be in partnership with AIDC and extending our collaboration with Tang Charoen Group to establish their second Amari property in Laos. As a rapidly booming tourism destination, Laos recently saw the doubling in capacity of its international terminal at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport. We look forward to the opportunity of targeting more international visitors as flight connectivity increases in the coming years. This deal is part of the strategic expansion of the ONYX portfolio, with 50 operating properties and close to 30 additional projects in the development pipeline.”
Mr. Pheutsapha Phoummasak, President of Asia Investment, Development & Construction Sole Co., Ltd. (AIDC), said “ We are pleased to be in partnership with ONYX Hospitality Group, one of leading hotel management companies in the Asia Pacific, for the first time. I look forward to being a part of this project’s success. We are proud to play a key role in Laos’ ongoing tourism and robust economic growth. Laos is a beautiful country with a huge tourism potential, with its natural wonders and welcoming people, and is poised to be one of the fastest growing Southeast Asian destinations among international travelers. “
Mr. Houa Sengaroun, President of Tang Charoen Group, said “To be working with ONYX Hospitality Group in opening our second Amari property in Laos is an excellent opportunity for all parties to learn and grow. Following the opening of Amari Vang Vieng earlier this year, we are proud of the positive feedback and performance, as well as the role this hotel has played in raising international awareness of Laos. I look forward to the opportunity of working together on future projects.”
The Amari brand by ONYX Hospitality Group celebrates the essence of modern Thai elements, with each hotel in its portfolio highlighting the textures and flavors of its unique setting through architecture, design, cuisine, and service complemented by subtle Thai touches.
The years 2017 and 2018 have been significant for the regional expansion of Amari, with the brand being launched in new locations including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, and Laos, and Amari Kuala Lumpur and Amari Penang signed earlier this year.
Based in Bangkok, ONYX Hospitality Group has a growing regional portfolio of 50 operating properties across three core brands in eight countries. The Group has a robust development pipeline of close to 30 new properties in markets such as Laos and Australia and has set a target of having 99 hotels open by 2024 as part of its journey towards being the best medium-sized hospitality player in the region.