Centara Hotels Signs for Three New Properties in Laos
Date: December 2018
Location: UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang – both near the town centre, and Vientiane, Laos
Name: Cosi, Centara Grand Luang Prabang and Centra by Centara.
No. of Keys: TBA
Buyer: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a major Thailand hotel chain with 43 hotels, including 11 under development, under six brands, has signed management agreements for three new properties with Asia Investment, Development & Construction Sole, a local Laos company. They run a strong outbound tour operator – Fa Travel and a major construction company.
The management agreement comes as Laos launches ambitious new plans to promote tourism.
In recent years, the government of the Lao PDR has come to regard tourism as a priority sector for driving socio-economic development.
It hopes to attract five million visitors in 2018 and increasing numbers in the years ahead with a Visit Laos campaign under the slogan Simply Beautiful.
The country’s picturesque mountains, atmospheric towns, and humble friendliness are being discovered by Thai, Chinese and Western visitors.
According to a new report from the Swiss-based World Economic Forum, Laos ranks 14th among 136 countries in price competitiveness.
“This partnership with AIDC is a great opportunity to expand our footprint into a distinctive country,” said Centara chief executive Thirayuth Chirathivat.
“Laos is on the list of more and more travellers to this region, and we want to serve them with the distinct and varied accommodation options to match the travel experience they are seeking.”
Luang Prabang is the well-preserved, old spiritual city at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers.
Although well-served by direct flights to its airport and modern amenities, it lives up to its World Heritage status with beautiful temples and traditional riverside life.
Bicycles outnumber cars. Delicious baguettes, croissants, cafés and French restaurants hint at the French colonial history in both Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Pheutsapha Phoummasak, president of AIDC Laos said: “We are excited to partner with Centara to bring their trusted brands to these great cities and further promote the tourism potential of Laos.
“Luang Prabang and Vientiane are very popular destinations for both Thai and international travellers thanks to their perfect blend of history, beautiful scenery and charming character.”
THPT Comment: Significant move for Laos, with these three new hotels.
First Seen: Breaking Travel News
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