Langham eyes South-east Asia growth with Bangkok flagship

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) is positioning its upcoming Bangkok flagship as a strategic gateway into South-east Asia as it accelerates its luxury expansion plans.

Set to open in 2027, The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok will transform the historic 1888 riverside landmark into a luxury hotel combining restored heritage buildings with a contemporary new wing.

Lawrence Ng says AI can enhance the guest experience, but hospitality will always remain people-focused

Speaking to TTG Asia, Lawrence Ng, senior vice-president of sales and marketing, said Bangkok was a natural choice for the group’s next flagship.

“Bangkok is one of the major gateways for inbound and outbound travel. It’s a very important travel market for the hotel business. Having a flagship in the city not only helps us create brand awareness, but also strengthens our position among Thai travellers,” he said.

Ng added that Thailand has become one of LHG’s strongest source markets for high-value guests, driving demand across its properties in destinations including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Melbourne and London.

Beyond Bangkok, LHG has confirmed new hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Venice, Diriyah, Xi’an and a third London property, while continuing to explore opportunities in Bali, Koh Samui and Seoul.

As the group expands, Ng said travellers are increasingly prioritising meaningful experiences over traditional sightseeing.

“When people travel today, they’re looking for something that’s related to themselves rather than simply going somewhere for sightseeing, a hashtag or a selfie. They want experiences,” he said.

While LHG is using AI to better understand guest preferences, Ng stressed that “AI is an enabler, but hospitality still has to be people-focused”.

He added that guests can expect “some very, very exciting dining and wine concepts” when Langham Bangkok opens.

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