In a two-way street, even as Chinese tourists are buoying up island tourism, hospitality majors based in Mauritius are actively contemplating making inroads into the Chinese mainland.

Accordingly, Mauritius hospitality major LUX* Resorts & Hotels announced on July 14, 2014 that hotel LUX* Lijiang in the LUX* Tea Horse Road circuit would serve as the foundation for its planned expansion into China.

“China’s economic progress, continued stability and the growing ease of travel have made the continent increasingly attractive to trend-setting travelers who are looking for unspoiled destinations rich in original and genuine experiences. It is no surprise that LUX* found it equally irresistible,” said Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels.

Initially located across the abundant South West provinces of Yunnan and Szechuan as well as bordering Tibet, the complete circuit of individual properties and hospitality experiences will be known collectively as the LUX* Tea Horse Road.

Under the terms of a long-term management agreement, executed in March 2014, LUX* Lijiang will be the first in a circuit of distinctive regional luxury boutique hotels.

Lijiang Yulong Tourism Corporation Limited, a China-based companyprincipally engaged in the development and management of tourism business in Lijiang, Yunnan will own the properties in the circuit.

It will also be responsible for their design and construction in partnership with LUX* Resorts & Hotels which will manage the properties along the LUX* Tea Horse Road.

“Together, we are going to chart a new chapter in the history of tourism and hospitality in the legendary region of Greater Shangri-La. We are proud today to be opening LUX* Lijiang, the first stop in what we intend to become one of the great journeys of the world,” said Xianzhong He, Chairman of the Lijiang Yulong Tourism Corporation Ltd.

Moreover, the LUX* Tea Horse Road will enable today’s adventurous luxury traveler to embark on a unique journey of discovery and transformation; an expeditionary experience that will stimulate body, mind and soul.

“As a young and dynamic organization, we have determined to grow our brand presence in China and to open a window onto one of China’s most spectacular and untouched wonders: the Tea Horse Road. Thanks to our partnership with the Lijiang Yulong Tourism Corporation Ltd, this ambition will become reality,” said Paul Jones.

“In a comparatively short time, we have built a strong and growing Chinese customer base for our existing operations in the Indian Ocean. Our intention now is to create the journey of a lifetime for these guests in this most special part of their own country,” he added.

Conceived as a 30-room luxury boutique hotel, with 10 rooms to be operational from September 09, 2014, LUX* Lijiang is situated on two neighbouring sites in the heart of Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Phase Two is expected to incorporate the remaining 20 rooms, which should be implemented by mid-2015. It will also witness the launch of the brand’s signature Café LUX*, a bakery, and a localised interpretation of the established LUX* Me wellbeing philosophy.

Founded in 1987, LUX* Resorts is a hotel group with properties in Mauritius, the Maldives and Réunion Island.

LUX* Resorts & Hotels is a member of Lux Island Resorts Co Ltd, which was listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius in November 2005 and is an affiliate member of GML.

GML is a major economic player in the Indian Ocean and leads the listing of the “Top 100” Mauritian companies.

Initially located across the abundant South West provinces of Yunnan and Szechuan as well as bordering Tibet, the complete circuit of individual properties and hospitality experiences will be known collectively as the LUX* Tea Horse Road. (Image: Company)

More business news on AfricaMoney

Facebook Comments