Now that the Softlogic Group has sealed a deal with the Swiss Moevenpick Hotels and Resorts to manage a city hotel that is to be built by Softlogic in Colombo, this fast growing local conglomerate has set ambitions to foray into the coast with a resort property, also with the Moevenpick partners, according to Moevenpick officials.
“Now that Sri Lanka’s political and economic situation has seen a revival after the dawn of peace, we are bullish on this island. We are earnestly looking at a resort in the South and will be finalizing the details soon,” Andreas Mattmueller, Chief Operating Officer Middle East and Asia, Moevenpick Hotels and Resorts told the Business Times early this week outlining the international chain’s plans for Sri Lanka. He was here with a team to scoot suitable locations in the southern coastal belt.
He reiterated that Moevenpick is extremely happy with their local partner, Softlogic and is looking to grow the brand with this company.
Lokesh Kumar, Vice President, Development and Marketing, Moevenpick added that managing the 5-star hotel Softlogic to be built next to the Colpetty shopping mall Liberty Plaza, on a 90-perch land is only a starting point for the international hotel chain.“Colombo is just the start. We are bullish on properties near cricket locations in the island and are actively eyeing the beaches. With our strategic partner, Softlogic, we’ll be going to these locations,” he said, adding that Bentota, Galle and Trincomalee are on the cards in the short term.
Last November, Softlogic signed a management agreement with Moevenpick in Dubai (at their regional head office) to manage the Colombo-based hotel. According to Softlogic officials, the estimated cost of the hotel is some US$ 30 million. Mr. Mattmueller said the management agreement with Softlogic for this 24-floor city hotel is for 24 years with a long 12-year agreement to be renewed (after this 12 years) for another 5-years and then again for the next 5-years.
“It’ll be a 220-room hotel built to Moevenpick standards and we plan to complete it within two years,” Mr. Mattmueller said. He said this hotel will be housed with a rooftop chill out bar, a rooftop swimming pool, a Japanese restaurant, a nightspot (discothèque), a wellness spa, etc.
“We want to integrate the local culture in the design of the hotel and also see that it’s reflected in our service,” he added. |
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