Priyanka Saxena Ray
Could you provide insights into the recent hotel openings?
Yes, we’ve had several exciting developments in our hotel portfolio. In Suzhou, China, we proudly launched the first MSocial hotel in the country, marking a significant milestone for our brand’s expansion. Additionally, we recently celebrated the grand opening of MSocial Phuket in Thailand, further solidifying our presence in the vibrant Southeast Asian market. Furthermore, we’ve made notable progress in the Middle East, with the successful opening of several hotels in the region. In response to evolving customer preferences, especially in the post-COVID era, we’ve witnessed a trend of hotels undergoing extensive renovations and refurbishments to ensure impeccable cleanliness and safety standards. For instance, the Grand Copthorne Waterfront underwent a remarkable transformation, investing over 30 million dollars to enhance every aspect of the property, from guest rooms to meeting spaces.
What expansion strategies are in the pipeline for this year?
We’re actively pursuing expansion opportunities to expand our global footprint. Currently, we’re in the process of rebranding our hotel in Knightsbridge, London, which will soon be unveiled as MSocial Knightsbridge by the end of the year. Additionally, we’re excited to announce a new hotel project underway in Silicon Valley, USA, which is currently in the construction phase. The launch of MSocial Silicon Valley is eagerly anticipated, and we’re also preparing to rebrand several other hotels in the vicinity.
What sustainability initiatives has Millennium Hotels undertaken as a brand?
Sustainability is a cornerstone of our brand ethos, and we’re dedicated to implementing impactful initiatives across our properties. At a recent conference in Glasgow, our parent company, City Development, made a monumental pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, underscoring our commitment to environmental responsibility. In line with this goal, our hotels worldwide are actively working towards eliminating single-use plastics, with a target to achieve zero plastic use by 2025. Additionally, we’ve transitioned to eco-friendly amenities, such as Christine Laqua products, to minimise plastic usage by nearly 98%. We have also introduced innovative “green meetings” initiatives, prioritising sustainable practices in food sourcing and temperature control to minimise environmental impact.
How much is India an important market for you as a source market?
India holds significant importance as one of the top five source markets for Millennium Hotels and Resorts. We’ve witnessed steady growth in India, particularly in key markets such as Singapore and gateway cities in Thailand. The ease of obtaining visas has facilitated travel, contributing to the rise of the Indian middle class’s penchant for exploration.
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