Melco to drive China snow boom
BEIJING – Melco China Resorts (MCR) has begun the fit-out of two hotels at the Yabuli Sun Mountain resort in Heilongjiang Province.
Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO of Melco, said, “Our move into the burgeoning mountain resort business in China enables our expansion in the mainland and provides an exceptional range of new experiences to address the growing need for up-market recreational activities among the country’s fast growing middle and upper classes.â€
According to the China Ski Association, the total number of ski visits in China more than doubled to over four million between 1999 and 2004.
The number is expected to increase to 10 million by 2010.
MCR, the largest ski operator in China, is transforming five existing ski areas in the north eastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin into year-round luxury mountain resorts.
The company has plans to secure additional areas and develop further resorts in the coming years.
“Our commitment is to introduce standards that did not previously exist in China’s ski industry,†said Graham Kwan, CEO of MCR.
“Our portfolio of integrated resorts and luxury resort homes represents a status and lifestyle pinnacle that was not available in northern China until now.â€
Sun Mountain Yabuli resort is the core focus of MCR’s immediate development plan with three premium hotels, including a 24 all-suite boutique mountain top hotel.
Located approximately two hours south east of the city of Harbin, Yabuli will host the World Winter University Games in early 2009.
MCR will also upgrade the Sky Mountain Beidahu and Star Mountain Beijing resorts.
Ian Jarrett
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