Business & Money | Sunday 12 April, 2015 8:04 am |

Middle East outbound travel is a key target for 2015/16

Leading Asian hospitality provider, ONYX Hospitality Group has announced its return to Arabian Travel Market, with continued focus on developing outbound travel from the Middle East.

In January 2015, ONYX appointed Discover the World and CTT Consulting, as its new sales representative and PR representation for the UAE. ONYX also recently announced plans to operate at least 10 properties in India by 2022 – a step closer towards the goal of 81 domestic Thailand and international hotels, resorts and serviced apartments by 2018.

International expansion includes the establishment of hotels in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bali, and Malaysia. The first of these will be OZO Kandy, opening early May 2015. Amari Havodda Maldives is scheduled to open early 2016 and Amari Pecatu Bali in 2017. Exciting developments are taking place in Malaysia, with two new projects located in Iskandar, Malaysia. OZO Medini and Shama Medini will be part of the mixed development project, UMCITY Medini Lakeside. Further details will be available during the Arabian Travel Market.

Within Thailand, the new Ocean Wing at Amari Phuket will open in June 2015, comprising one- and two-bedroom suites with extra living space that includes a kitchen and dining areas, together with views of the picturesque Andaman Sea. The expansion will increase the property’s total inventory by 75%, to a total of 345 rooms. At the heart of the new Ocean Wing is a Clubhouse featuring an infinity swimming pool with a sun deck and pool bar.

As of 1 April 2015, Amari Palm Reef Samui will be closed for a period of 12 months to undergo a complete renovation. The entire property will receive a fresh new look, including the introduction of a new and innovative all-day dining concept. The popular Italian restaurant Prego will receive a face-lift, whilst guest rooms and other existing facilities will also experience a full restoration and upgrade. The property will re-open in April 2016.

Peter Henley, President and CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group said:

“ONYX has attended Arabian Travel Market for over a decade, and we are confident that 2015 will once again deliver great returns on our marketing and promotional investment in this region. We have many exciting projects in Asia and beyond, including expansion into aspirational destinations such as the Maldives and Bali. We are delighted to be opening our second OZO hotel in Sri Lanka in May, with the opening of OZO Kandy, and are looking forward to our first hotel in the Maldives with Amari Havodda Maldives in 2016. The Middle East represents an important outbound travel market for our hotels in Thailand and internationally, and we are excited to be meeting with long term travel partners, as well as exploring new opportunities during ATM 2015.”

ONYX can be found at ATM Stand AS8375.

ONYX Hospitality Group currently manages 54 properties in 10 countries, 38 of which are operational, equating to over 6,000 rooms.

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About ONYX
ONYX Hospitality Group operates four diverse yet complementary brands – Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO - each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers. ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.