ONYX embarks on regional expansion

THAILAND’s ONYX Hospitality Group is growing its footprint in Asia-Pacific through a 1.5 billion-baht (US$48.9 million) expansion programme.

Peter Henley, group president and CEO, said: “2012 is a big year for us, as we prepare to open five properties across three of our brands, whilst taking our first steps as a company into two new international markets (China and India).”

The group’s first OZO hotel will open in Hong Kong later this year, alongside Amari openings in China and India. Looking further ahead, the ONYX pipeline also features two more Shama properties in China, three properties in Sri Lanka and another in Qatar.

“Our expansion into China and India presents a great opportunity to take advantage of growing domestic visitor numbers, while plans to grow our offer into Sri Lanka means we will have a foothold in one of the world’s most rapidly growing tourist destinations,” said Henley.

On the domestic front, Amari Hua Hin will open in June this year, OZO Koh Samui in 2013 and Amari Residences Pattaya in 2015. Renovations are also set to begin at the Amari Watergate and Amari Coral Beach Phuket, as Thailand remains central to ONYX’s growth strategy.

Even though growth potential for the Thai hotel market is “minimal” in comparison to other parts of Asia, according to Yuthachai Charanachitta, owner, ONYX Hospitality Group, “Thailand remains our anchor. Whatever we do outside is intended to promote sales here,” he said.

With a current portfolio of 31 properties across two brands in Thailand, Hong Kong and China, Onyx aims to have 51 properties in operation by 2018.

By Timothy France

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