Far East Hospitality Unveils Major Expansion Plans

Far East Hospitality, the hospitality management arm of Far East Orchard, has unveiled the significant expansion of its hotels and residences portfolio as it gears up for accelerated growth in 2014.

Through a joint venture between Far East Orchard and Toga Hotels, Australia, Far East Hospitality’s hospitality management portfolio now includes the Medina, Adina, Vibe and Travelodge brands, thereby strengthening its presence in Singapore, as well as expanding significantly into Australia and New Zealand and gaining a foothold into Germany.

Part of Far East Hospitality’s expanded portfolio of managed hotels also includes the Rendezvous Hotel Singapore which was acquired by Far East Hospitality Trust in August 2013.

Together with Far East Hospitality’s award-winning Quincy, Oasia, Village and Far East Collection hotels and residences, the proposed joint venture with The Straits Trading Company (STC) will allow guests to look forward to a selection of over 80 hotels across Asia, Oceania and Europe.

The joint venture with Toga Hotels, one of Australia’s largest hospitality operators, extends Far East Hospitality’s footprint to Australia and New Zealand, adding the Medina, Adina, Vibe and Travelodge brands, which represents 54 properties and 7,000 keys. To facilitate easy access to the expanded portfolio of properties, Far East Hospitality will be consolidating hotel information and booking on its stayfareast.com website.

Mr Arthur Kiong, Chief Executive Officer of Far East Hospitality said, “Asia Pacific will continue to lead the world, as the fastest-growing travel region, and the opportunities are tremendous. With our expanded portfolio through the proposed joint ventures, together with the new brands and new geographical reach, we are well placed to seize these opportunities. We aim to bring our signature brand of Singapore-inspired hospitality to both business and leisure travellers in more locations.”

“Today’s travellers are increasingly discerning and eschew cookie-cutter offerings. We know that they want fuss-free, as well as authentic, local experiences, and they have consistently told us that they appreciate our unique style of hospitality that is anchored upon our pragmatic adaptability to anticipate and address their specific needs,” added Mr Kiong. “In the hospitality business, the focus has to be placed on the guest, and this is why we do not follow the traditional star-rating system, and have moved towards segmenting our brands based on travellers’ profile.”