Centara Hotels & Resorts has confirmed four new properties in Laos under a partnership with Asia Investment, Development & Construction Laos (AIDC) as part of the Thai hotel group’s expansion strategy to double the properties its manages over the next five years.
Centara is currently developing the Centara Plumeria Resort Pakse, which is scheduled to open in 2020. Currently, the 4-star Champasak Grand leads Pakse’s property landscape with its 214 rooms and full MICE facilities.
Pakse property under developmentIn Luang Prabang, the high-end hotel race will get even hotter with the addition of the upscale Centara Grand Luang Prabang near the town centre. The UNESCO city has witnessed a recent blizzard of upscale properties, with AVANI+, Rosewood, Pullman, and Le Bel Air all opening in 2018.
The midscale Centra, also situated near the town centre, should be a welcome newcomer, as some tour operators have complained that this level of accommodation is lacking in Luang Prabang. The Vientiane property will fly under Centara’s new lifestyle brand, COSI.
“This partnership with AIDC is a great opportunity to expand our footprint into a distinctive country,” said Centara CEO 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.”
Pheutsapha Phoummasak, president of AIDC Laos, added, “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.”
According to a new report from the Swiss-based World Economic Forum, Laos ranks 14th among 136 countries in price competitiveness.
