Media OutReach
Ascott Expands Resort Portfolio with Multi-Typology Brand Strategy to Tap on Rising Leisure Travel Demand
- 11 new signings across high-demand travel markets in Asia and the Middle East bring portfolio to about 50 properties in sought-after resort destinations globally
- New additions span multiple brands across Phuket (Thailand); Bali and Labuan Bajo (Indonesia); Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh and Sam Son (Vietnam); Gangneung (South Korea); and Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (UAE)
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is scaling its global resort footprint through asset-light expansion. Riding on growing demand for experiential stays, Ascott now has around 50 properties in resort destinations in operation and under development worldwide, supported by 11 new signings in the past 10 months secured via management and franchise agreements. These represent about 5% of its global portfolio of over 1,000 properties, reflecting a strategic focus on the fast-growing leisure segment[1]. This momentum is driven by Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy, which adapts well-loved brands such as Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection for resort settings. This approach enables efficient scaling in high-potential destinations while fulfilling lifestyle aspirations of its growing Ascott Star Rewards membership and delivering brand-led solutions that drive long-term value for property owners.
Recent signings across Asia and the Middle East reflect Ascott’s strategic expansion into key leisure hotspots. These include iconic beach destinations such as Patong Beach in Phuket and Jimbaran Beach in Bali. Ascott is also entering Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s premier man-made coral island known for its pristine beaches. In Vietnam, Ascott is growing its presence in Phu Quoc, voted the world’s second-best island[2], and Nha Trang, an established coastal city often dubbed the “Riviera of the South China Sea”. The company is also capitalising on emerging opportunities in fast-growing destinations such as Cam Ranh, an up-and-coming aviation and leisure hub, and Sam Son, a rising domestic and regional tourism hotspot. Additionally, Ascott is entering Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — the gateway to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In South Korea, it is tapping demand in Gangneung, the leading east coast destination and host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Ascott’s push into resort destinations capitalises on robust industry tailwinds. Global leisure travel spend is projected to triple to US$15 trillion by 2040, fuelled by increasing demand from the burgeoning middle class in emerging markets such as China, India and Saudi Arabia, the rise of experience-led younger travellers, and surging domestic and regional tourism1. Notably, over 70% of travellers from emerging markets now combine business and leisure trips, highlighting the growing importance of bleisure travel1. Within this broader trend, the global resort segment – valued at US$300.03 billion in 2023 – is forecast to reach US$945.38 billion by 2030, growing at 18.2% CAGR, driven by rising disposable incomes, increased international travel, and preference for destination-led, experience-rich stays [3].
Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “As leisure travel continues to outpace global tourism growth[4], we are seeing strong momentum from property owners eager to grow with us in the resort space. Owners are drawn to our flex-hybrid model, which optimises returns and mitigates risk in dynamic leisure markets by serving both short and extended stays within a single operational framework. Complemented by our multi-typology brand strategy, we align the right brand and format to each resort setting, enabling differentiated, locally attuned guest experiences while staying responsive to evolving travel trends. Backed by a loyal and expanding member base seeking elevated leisure experiences, Ascott is well-positioned to deliver long-term value through exceptional resort stays, creating results for owners, delight for guests and impact across the markets we serve.”
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Resorts represent a powerful extension of Ascott’s brand promise to let guests ‘Stay Your Way’, unlocking a world of leisure-led experiences that elevate our Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) programme to new heights. From sun-drenched beachfront villas and serene mountain retreats to château stays and immersive wellness escapes, each resort adds lifestyle richness to the loyalty journey, deepening member engagement and incentivising cross-destination travel. At the same time, a growing base of loyal ASR members fuels demand for these differentiated resort offerings globally — accelerating our resort expansion strategy with data-backed insights and a ready community of experience-driven travellers. Ascott’s flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand approach allow us to scale trusted urban brands into resort destinations with local authenticity and operational excellence, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits guests, members and property owners alike.”
Expanding Reach Across Leisure Hotspots
Ascott is expanding into sought-after resort destinations with new property signings that deliver diverse, experiential stays. In Thailand, Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort will feature 254 rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities including all-day dining, a swimming pool, rooftop bar, pool bar, spa, gym, kids’ club and event spaces. Located just 150 metres from iconic Patong Beach and surrounded by tourist attractions, the resort enjoys a prime position in Thailand’s leading leisure destination, known for its strong year-round demand and diverse visitor base. Guided by the brand’s understated luxury philosophy, Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort will showcase its “Fine Arts Inspired by Nature” concept, blending luxury, tranquility and local artistry in perfect harmony. The project also includes Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket, a 227-unit branded residence, with completion targeted for 2027.
Ascott is also scaling its resort portfolio in Vietnam. Somerset Nha Trang, part of the landmark Libera Nha Trang development, will bring the brand’s trusted family-friendly resort living to one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations. Meanwhile, Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc will anchor a mixed-use precinct on the island’s popular southwest coast. Opening in 2027, this 369-unit beachfront development will offer premium amenities including a spa with onsen facilities, all-day dining and expansive event spaces. In Cam Ranh, along Long Beach, Ascott will debut the HARRIS brand in Vietnam with the 693-unit HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh. Designed as an all-in-one resort destination, it will feature specialty dining, a beach club, water park and recreational facilities. Business travellers will also be catered for with a ballroom and dedicated meeting spaces. Slated to open in 2026, HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh marks the brand’s continued expansion beyond Indonesia into high-potential Southeast Asian markets.
Separately, Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection in Thanh Hoa began opening in phases in April 2025, less than six months after signing. The resort offers a distinctive retreat on one of Vietnam’s most storied beaches, blending boutique hotel rooms, private villas, wellness amenities – including a Korean jjimjilbang and dedicated spa – a grand ballroom and culturally inspired dining. As the second property under The Unlimited Collection in Vietnam after Anmira Resort & Spa Hoi An by The Unlimited Collection, it underscores Ascott’s commitment to culturally immersive experiences in fast-growing leisure destinations.
In Indonesia, the 120-key lyf Labuan Bajo marks Ascott’s debut in one of the country’s most sought-after resort destinations, a rising eco-tourism hub and gateway to UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park. Opening in 2027, the property will introduce lyf’s experience-led social living concept to Labuan Bajo, featuring vibrant communal spaces, coworking zones and curated local experiences designed to foster connection and exploration among next-generation travellers.
Three other resort developments across Indonesia are also slated to open from 2026 to 2028. In Bali, the 57-unit Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali will provide direct access to the renowned shores of Jimbaran Beach, while the 366-unit Oakwood Premier Berawa Beach Bali will offer upscale beachfront living in the trendsetting district of Canggu. In Sanur, the 180-unit Oakwood Sanur Bali will be positioned within the Special Economic Zone, adjacent to the highly anticipated Bali International Hospital – a future hub for medical tourism. Featuring ocean views and convenient beach access alongside diverse accommodation choices, the property will blend coastal charm with wellness-focused amenities, complemented by recreational facilities, event spaces and destination dining experiences.
In South Korea, Ascott is introducing its Oakwood brand to Lagoon Town, a landmark resort complex under development in Gangneung’s Cultural Olympic Special Zone. Overlooking both Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach, the 500-key property will meet rising demand for leisure-led extended stays on Korea’s scenic east coast. Located just five minutes from Gangneung Station and two hours from Seoul via KTX, the property is positioned to become a key coastal retreat for domestic and international travellers.
In the UAE, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection is set to open in 2027 on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship beachfront leisure destination. The resort will feature 539 uniquely designed rooms and luxury suites with a comprehensive selection of amenities including all-day dining, specialty restaurants, bars, a spa, swimming pool, gym, kids’ playroom, club lounge and flexible event spaces – making it a standout destination for upscale coastal getaways.
These additions expand Ascott’s growing resort portfolio, which includes ski retreat Oakwood Suites Chongli in China’s premier winter sports hub, the all-villa Oakwood Ha Long near Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, Somerset Pattaya on Thailand’s vibrant coast and Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection in France’s Loire Valley. Ascott will also debut its Preference brand in the Philippines with Balai Dajao by Preference in Siargao island, the country’s celebrated surfing capital. The 100-unit property featuring suites and villas is expected to operate from late 2027. With over 20 new properties in resort destinations set to open over the next three years, Ascott continues strengthening its lifestyle hospitality presence in key leisure markets worldwide. Explore Ascott’s resort destinations at www.discoverasr.com.
Hashtag: #Ascott
https://www.discoverasr.com/en
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/the-ascott-limited
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The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.
Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on 
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TikTok and LinkedIn.
CapitaLand Investment Limited
CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
The Taiwan-born pet mobility brand opens its first SoHo pop-up inside Flying Solo, bringing its Nordic-designed pet stroller collection to the heart of New York City.
NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 02 April 2026 – FikaGO, the design-led pet mobility brand recognized across Asia and Europe, has opened its first New York City pop-up store inside Flying Solo in SoHo. The opening marks a deliberate move for a pet brand into one of the world’s most competitive retail districts.
Since entering the online American market in 2025, FikaGO has built a growing community of pet parents who see their animals as a central part of everyday life. Positioned as lifestyle essentials rather than conventional pet gear, FikaGO’s range of products is designed for people who want the best for their fur babies.
“We’ve always believed that pet products should not only be functional, but also beautifully integrated into everyday life.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
SoHo was a considered choice: Flying Solo, with locations in New York and Paris, is known for championing independent design with a distinctly global sensibility.
The pop-up showcases FikaGO’s auto-folding Free To Go 2 in Sandy Beige, the brand’s bestselling product. All FikaGO’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This includes their large-capacity Agile 2 pet strollers to their airline-approved Truffle carriers and the heavy-duty Kross pet wagon.
“Launching in SoHo is a meaningful milestone for us; it allows customers to truly experience the quality, design, and intention behind every FikaGO product.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
As pet ownership rises globally, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Zs, demand for products that combine functionality, design, and lifestyle integration continues to grow. FikaGO was built for precisely this moment, and SoHo is precisely where that moment lives.
Visit the FikaGO pop-up at Flying Solo, 419 Broome Street, New York, or explore the full collection at https://us.fikago.com/.
Hashtag: #FikaGO #petmobilitybrand #petstroller #petcarrier #petwagon #petkennel #petbiketrailer
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https://www.facebook.com/FikaGO.US
https://www.instagram.com/fikago_us/
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About FikaGO
FikaGO is a pet mobility brand founded in Taiwan, dedicated to crafting products that blend functionality, comfort, and modern aesthetics. With a presence across Asia and growing reach in Europe and the U.S, FikaGO is redefining everyday experiences between pets and their humans.
Media OutReach
Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.
The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.
As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.
In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
- Herbert Vongpusanachai takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Commercial for the region, effective April 1, 2026
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Herbert Vongpusanachai as Senior Vice President, Commercial for Asia Pacific, effective April 1, 2026. Herbert, who currently serves as Managing Director for DHL Express Thailand & Indochina, will be based in Singapore for his new role.
Herbert brings more than two decades of leadership experience within DHL Express, having successfully helmed multiple key markets across the region. He first joined the company in 2003 as Managing Director for Thailand & Indochina, later taking on leadership of Singapore in 2008, followed by Hong Kong & Macau in 2016. Since returning to lead Thailand & Indochina in 2020, he has driven sustained year‑on‑year profitable growth, transforming the cluster into one of the region’s key engines of expansion.
“Herbert has an exceptional track record of delivering strong business results while nurturing highly engaged teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of our customers, collaborative leadership style, and ability to unearth opportunities in complex environments make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial agenda for Asia Pacific. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to accelerate sustainable growth across the region,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
In his new regional role, Herbert will shape and accelerate the commercial strategy for DHL Express across Asia Pacific by working with other functions to assess new sectors, routes and trade lanes with high potential for growth. He will focus on deepening customer engagement and supporting their expansion, while driving sustainable volume growth and advancing the adoption of new technologies to enhance commercial execution across markets. With his extensive country expertise and people‑first leadership style, Herbert is well‑positioned to support both regional and country teams in raising commercial performance to new levels.
“Asia Pacific remains an important anchor in global trade as seen in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, and this indicates the unwavering role of logistics to facilitate the flow of goods. With the newly introduced Heavyweight Express solution, which enables customers to ship heavyweight shipments with speed, certainty and reliability, I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to contribute to shaping the next chapter of DHL Express’s commercial success,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that the region remains a major anchor of global commerce, with multiple economies rising in global connectedness rankings and Southeast Asia firmly establishing itself as a fast‑growing trade corridor. This also mirrors one of DHL Group’s strategies to better support 20 markets globally to accelerate growth; eight of them rest in Asia Pacific – underscoring the region’s critical role in DHL’s global network. As trade flows diversify and intra‑Asia integration deepens, this leadership appointment further strengthens DHL Express’s position in Asia Pacific.
Hashtag: #DHL
https://group.dhl.com/en.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dhlexpress/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
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