THE PIPELINE : GENERAL HOTEL MANAGEMENT
ZECHA ’ S
( OTHER )
HOTEL
COMPANY
By Adam Kirby , contributing editor
Unafraid to walk away from imperfect deals , GHM ’ s growth is slow but calculated .
Adrian Zecha will forever be inextricably linked with the iconic Amanresorts group , but his other ultra-luxury hotel company , Singapore-based General Hotel Management Ltd ., is quietly embarking on an expansion program — including the launch of a new China-specific brand — that could help it emerge from its better known sibling ’ s shadow . GHM , the management company behind the Chedi and Setai brands , marks its 20th year by unveiling a slate of projects beyond its traditional geographic base of Southeast Asia , including announced luxury boutique developments in Switzerland , India , Sharjah , Morocco , Cuba , Brazil and Hawaii . GHM has eight hotels currently open , having recently unexpectedly lost a contentious management deal at its only U . S . property , The Setai South Beach in Florida . In addition , The Ananti Kumgang Mountain , North Korea , has suspended operations indefinitely due to the unstable political situation in that country .
GHM ’ s announced pipeline would double the size of its portfolio , including initial forays into Europe , South America and Africa . In addition , GHM expects to reenter China later this year with The Chedi Club Suzhou , a foothold in that critical country market that will set the stage for the launch of its newest brand , Anh Luh , catering to Chinese travelers .
First , the 36-key Chedi Club will open on three floors of the city ’ s tallest building , Global 188 , marking GHM ’ s return to China after having previously operated Hangzhou ’ s Fuchun Resort . But the company ’ s big news in hospitality ’ s hottest market is the launch of Ahn Luh , a joint venture with China ’ s largest tourism group , Beijing Tourism Group Co . Ltd ., and prominent regional developer Great Ocean Group , slated to debut in 2014 or 2015 .
Capturing Chinese An urban resort brand epitomizing contemporary China with influences of cultural tradition , GHM plans to ultimately set up Anh Luh properties globally in a bid to capture the outbound
40 HOTELS May 2012 www . hotelsmag . com