Two Thai Hotel Chains Invest in Sri Lanka. Rapidly Growing Tourist Industry Attract Foreign Hoteliers

14th December 2010, lankapuvath.lk

According to Government sources, two Thai Hotel Chains are planning investments in Sri Lanka, with the rapidly growing tourist industry becoming a focal point for foreign hoteliers to invest in Sri Lanka.

Further the sources reveal that the Thai hotel chains are Minor International, popularity known as MINT and Centara Hotels and Resorts.

A sum of Thai Bhat 10 Billion is invested by the MINT to open 42 hotels and food outlets in several locations in the world including Sri Lank0a, while Centara Hotels and Resorts plan to form a joint venture with one of the biggest European tour and airline operators in a strategic move to expand the group's mid-range hotels in Asia.

The Centara Hotels and Resort’s expansion plan, other than Sri Lanka, include establishments of hotels and resorts in Maldives, Egypt, India, the Philippines Vietnam., Bahrain, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Minor Intl Anantara & Hemas Serendib Buy Kani Lanka Resort, Kalutara, Sri Lanka for $22mn

10th August 2010, www.dailynews.lk

Minor International of Thailand together with its local partner Hemas Holdings, and through its subsidiary Serendib Hotels has acquired 100 percent shares of Cyprea Lanka, the owner and operator of Kani Lanka Resort and Spa, Kalutara.

The total acquisition and development cost of the property is estimated at US$ 22 million.

Kani Lanka Resort and Spa is spread across an 18 acre stretch of land situated at the tip of the river mouth of the Kalu Ganga in Kalutara, on the south western coast of Sri Lanka.

The 105 room four-star resort enjoys a spectacular view of the river and the sea.

The new owners plan to upgrade the existing property and develop a new resort under the ‘Anantara’ brand that will consist of 120 luxury rooms.

This will be the first-ever ‘Anantara’ branded resort in Sri Lanka and the first international chain of luxury hotels to come into post-conflict Sri Lanka. ‘Anantara’, a well-known brand around the world for its luxury resorts, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Leafing Small Hotels, Virtuoso and the Kiwi Collection. Chairman/CEO of the Minor Group William E. Heinecke said Minor is delighted to bring its Anantara brand to Sri Lanka.

“The country has shown great promise, especially in the aftermath of the protracted civil disturbances. With Sri Lanka’s legendary hospitality, vast cultural diversity and infinite variety, I have no doubt that this partnership will transcend the envisaged goals and make Sri Lanka one of the top end destinations in the region,” he said.

Hemas Holdings Director and Serendib Leisure Management Chairman Abbas Esufally said time is ripe to re-define the boundaries of conventional tourism and explore new and bolder ventures.

“With 2011 being declared as ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ Year, and with the 750,000+ expected tourists, the potential is massive. Now is the time for all stakeholders to get together and get ready for 2011. Hemas is proud to partner with an organisation of the calibre of the Minor Group and its internationally acclaimed ‘Anantara’ brand.”

The newly acquired property will be managed by Serendib Leisure Management.

Thailand's Minor to Build or Buy Hotels in Sri Lanka

08th May 2010, www.lankabusinessonline.com

Bangkok-based Minor International is looking to buy or build beach resorts in Sri Lanka, after the island emerged from a 30-year war and prospects for tourism brightened, a media report said.
Minor, which runs 'Anantara' branded hotels is Thailand's biggest hotel and fast food chain operator.

"We are now more optimistic about the potential in Sri Lanka," Chief Executive Officer William Heinecke was quoted as saying by Bloomberg newswires while on visit to Sri Lanka.

"Our focus is around the Indian Ocean, and we do have a substantial budget approved for expanding. We see good returns in Sri Lanka."

Minor is building its fourth resort in the Maldives. In 2007, Minor bought 20 percent of Sri Lanka's Serendib Hotels.

Heinecke said they were considering investing in properties in the southern and eastern coasts.

Following the end of the war with Tamil Tiger separatists, interest has been renewed especially in Sri Lanka's east coast, parts of which was under Tiger control during the war.

Minor also operates hotels in Thailand under the Marriott and Four Seasons brands and runs Thai franchises for Burger King Swensens, Pizza Company and Coffee Club.

Bloomberg quoted Heinecke as saying that "preliminary discussions" were held on developing restaurant brands.