ONYX HOSPITALITY GROUP – FALL 2022 CORPORATE UPDATE
7 November 2022- Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has reinforced its expansion plan, with a strategic focus on its home territory of Thailand and neighbouring destination, Malaysia. The leading Asian hospitality group is on track to operate 54 properties by 2025. ONYX currently operates 44 properties, including 10 properties in development.
BUSINESS UPDATE
Commenting on the group’s recent performance, Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Owner & CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group said:
“Since the pandemic, we have been affected by the same issues as the rest of the hospitality industry. The financial instability of some source markets is forcing us to evaluate and re-focus our marketing efforts. Thailand has bounced back relatively quickly, thanks to the government’s intervention, but the recent challenge will take some time to overcome. I am grateful that we have a clear and cohesive growth strategy which aims to minimise the impact of external factors on our business.”
“In addition to expanding our regional footprint, we are also poised to reposition our three core brands in response to the evolving consumer landscape, this is includes a freshen-up of some of our existing key properties. Competition is fierce, particularly in Thailand, and we need to make sure we are consistently working on our brand appeal for both investors and guests.”
LATEST OPENINGS AND DEVELOPMENTS
We have reinforced our expansion plans with a strategic focus on our home territory of Thailand and neighbouring destination, Malaysia, which is set to become the first country outside of Thailand to operate all three ONYX brands, Amari, Shama and OZO. We are also excited to be expanding our footprint in the Maldives, Laos, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Japan.
Amari SPICE Penang- Opened 9 September 2022
Directly connected to SPICE Convention Centre, Amari SPICE Penang provides convenient access to SPICE Arena, SPICE Aquatic Centre and SPICE Canopy. All 453 guest rooms and suites offer home-from-home warmth and convenience. The Executive Floors and Suites come with private access to the Executive Lounge, offering an elevated level of personalised service along with complimentary daily breakfast, evening cocktails and appetisers and beverages.
Amari Kuala Lumpur – Opened 19 September 2022
Set in Malaysia’s rapidly developing capital, Amari’s new 252 room hotel is directly connected to Aspire Tower, KL Eco City Mall and The Garden Mall. Business hubs and culturally rich hotspots are also within easy reach.
Enhancing the groups existing portfolio
ONYX is investing and developing its existing portfolio of properties to ensure their appeal continues to grow. Following the 100 million USD investment to redevelop the iconic Amari Pattaya and OZO North Pattaya, Amari Watergate in Bangkok has also completed its own recent refurbishment, investing 32 million USD. The upgrades include a new collection of premier rooms and suites with contemporary interiors inspired by life and culture of the Watergate neighbourhood. Samui’s favourite Italian restaurant Prego is also poised to make its Bangkok debut later this year.
FUTURE PLANS
As ONYX strives towards its goal of becoming Asia’s leading hospitality provider, a number of exciting signings and openings across the portfolio are planned for next year and beyond.
Malaysia set to be first country to operate all three ONYX brands, outside of Thailand
ONYX’s strategic expansion in Malaysia is set to continue with OZO Medini Iskandar (Q4 2022), Shama Medini Iskandar (Q1 2023) and Shama Suasana Johor Bahru (Q1 2023). Once these projects are complete, Malaysia will become the first country outside of the groups native Thailand to home all three core hospitality brands, Amari, Shama and OZO. This will bring the total number properties in Malaysia to seven, by the end of 2023.
Shama to double its presence in Bangkok by the end of 2022
Serviced apartment brand, Shama is also reinforcing its position in Bangkok’s thriving short- and extended-stay market. Shama Yen-Akat opened earlier this year, and in Q4 Shama Petchburi 47 (formerly Amari Residence Bangkok), Shama Ekamai Bangkok (Formerly Ekamai Gardens Bangkok) will join the current Shama portfolio, bringing the total number of Shama’s in the city to six, by the end of 2022.
Amari’s second property in the Maldives set to open in Q1 2023
The opening of Amari Raaya Maldives is slated for Q1 2023. The 200-villa private island resort will occupy a secluded island in the Raa Atoll, located northwest of the Maldivian capital of Male. The resort will feature, seven dining concepts, a Maai Spa, and a kids club. Amari Maldives will join Amari Havodda Maldives, further boosting the brand’s presence in the Maldives.
Amari Colombo Sri Lanka – Opening 2023
Upon completion, the 24-storey property will offer 180 rooms and suites along with signature all-day dining restaurant, spa and Voyager Lounge. Other highlights include a rooftop pool, bar and recreation centre and a Thai specialty restaurant, all offering unparalleled views of the ocean and the city skyline. The hotel will also offer dedicated executive floors with access to an executive lounge
EXECUTIVE MOVEMENTS
Mr. Rainer Steinhilber, Pre-Opening General Manager, Amari Maldives
Rainer is joining at the helm of one of ONYX’s most anticipated new properties. His experience is firmly rooted in the Maldives, having held various management positions with Crown & Champa resorts over the last eight years.
Mr. Raghav Kochar, General Manager, Amari Vogue Krabi
With a career spanning 20 years, Raghav brings with him a wealth of resort management expertise from some of the world’s most inspiring resorts, including Six Senses Con Dao Vietnam, The Andamani Khao Lak and Anantara Kihavah Maldives.
Ms. Susan Anthony, General Manager, Amari Kuala Lumpur
Susan joins ONYX from a 12-year stint with Accor, where she most recently held the position on General Manager of Novotel Kuala Lumpur. Her hospitality career began more than 20 years ago with Sheraton.
Mr. Noorazzudin Omar, General Manager, Amari SPICE Penang
Noorazzudin joins ONYX from Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur where he held the position of General Manager. He boasts 28 years of local and international hospitality experience working with some of the world’s leading brands.
Mr. Ruud Hulscherr, Cluster General Manager, Amari Koh Samui & OZO Chaweng Samui
Ruud joins ONYX from Centara Hotels & Resorts where he most recently held the position of Area General Manager in Phuket. Native to the Netherlands, Ruud boasts experience in pre-openings and rebranding, as well as overseeing multiple properties at a regional and corporate level.
Mr. Andrew Tan, General Manager, Amari Johor Bahru
Andrew, a native to Singapore, has honed his skills with the Millennium, Copthorne, and Pan Pacific brands in Singapore, China, and London over the last 20 years. He is also a Sales & Marketing specialist, in his most recent role with Millenium Hotels & Resorts, he was Vice President of Sales, Asia based out of Singapore covering a 12 hotel portfolio.