How Asia's leading property developers are making big moves in the hospitality space

The ambitious projects of these visionary hoteliers are an answer to the positive forecasts for the travel industry in 2024

The UN World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) forecasts that the global travel industry will finally recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, thanks largely to the “unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations”. The visionary property developers on Asia’s Most Influential list are meeting the call for travel by taking on ambitious projects, forging partnerships with global brands and laying the groundwork to take their companies to the world stage. This is good news for everybody: as these property magnates add to their growing portfolios, the boom contributes to the recovery of the global tourism industry, which is estimated to have reached US$3.3 trillion by the end of 2023.

Also read: Meet the innovators behind Asia’s thriving food scene

Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura, managing director, Nai Lert Group (Thailand)

Above Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura, managing director, Nai Lert Group

Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura leads Nai Lert Group, the Thai hospitality firm with interests in dining and property. Established by her great-grandfather in 1894, the company operates European garden bistro Lady L, Thai restaurant Ma Maison and Caviar Cafe, as well as a butler service platform and a catering company. Among the developer’s properties is Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, the family’s teakwood residence that was built in 1915 and then converted into a public museum in 2012.

Continuing the pioneering legacy of her family, the managing director is preparing for the opening of Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, the 36-storey Aman hotel and residences that is set to rise in the third quarter of 2024. Found within the family’s Nai Lert Park, the luxury property will feature wraparound views, open-air terraces and a central atrium by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston. In a statement, Aman CEO Vlad Doronin lauded the collaboration with the Nai Lert Group, mentioning Naphaporn in particular as someone “...who has been instrumental in bringing this project to life”.

Read Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Edgar ‘Injap’ Sia II, founder and chairman, DoubleDragon and MerryMart (Philippines)

Above Edgar ‘Injap’ Sia II, founder and chairman, DoubleDragon and MerryMart

Edgar Sia II became the youngest billionaire in the Philippines after selling chicken franchise Mang Inasal to global food giant Jollibee Foods Corporation. Also known as Injap, the mogul has since focused his energies on growing other businesses such as supermarket chain MerryMart and real estate company DoubleDragon Properties, which owns brands Hotel101, City Mall and Jinjiang Inn.

DoubleDragon’s Hotel101 Global is set to debut on the US Nasdaq stock market, with the subsidiary securing the ticker symbol “HBNB” for the launch. With the goal of opening one million Hotel101 rooms in 101 countries before 2050, the company is planning to launch its first three projects outside of the Philippines in Hokkaido, Madrid and Los Angeles. “The opportunity that we see globally in the hospitality space is that of standardisation because we believe it brings unbeatable efficiency, especially for the mid-end segment,” said Sia in a disclosure.

Read Edgar “Injap” Sia II’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Kwee Liong Tek, chairman, Pontiac Land (Singapore)

Above Kwee Liong Tek, chairman, Pontiac Land

Kwee Liong Tek is chairman of luxury property developer Pontiac Land Group, whose assets span hospitality, mixed-use, commercial and residential developments in Singapore, New York, Sydney and the Maldives. Adding to its constellation of brands—which includes Millenia Singapore, Capella Singapore and Fari Islands—the group is set to open Capella Taipei in 2024 and more properties in Asia and beyond.

The integrated development Fari Islands in the Maldives is Pontiac Land’s most ambitious project. Featuring hospitality brands Capella and Patina, the development is also a testament to the group’s commitment to sustainability. In 2023, Pontiac Land obtained the first green loan in the Maldives, converting US$180 million in bank loans into green loans, upon achieving EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certifications. Some of Fari Islands’ sustainability initiatives include rescuing over 20,000 mature trees, implementing solar installations and eliminating single-use plastic.

Read Kwee Liong Tek’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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Topics

Asia’s Most Influential Asia’s Most Influential 2023 Edgar “Injap” Sia II Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura Kwee Liong Tek

Tatler Asia

How Asia’s leading property developers are making big moves in the hospitality space

Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura, managing director, Nai Lert Group (Thailand)

Edgar ‘Injap’ Sia II, founder and chairman, DoubleDragon and MerryMart (Philippines)

Kwee Liong Tek, chairman, Pontiac Land (Singapore)