Sheraton to launch Four Points brand in Malaysia
Sheraton is to launch its first Four Points by Sheraton branded hotel in Malysia with the opening of a 300-room property in 2009. Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Sarawak will include three restaurants, a lounge and a pool bar, as well as over 17,000sq ft of meeting space. It will be located within 10 minutes drive from the city centre of Kuching and close to the international airport.

IHG to build resort in Mauritius
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with Lateral Holdings that will lead to the building of the company’s first InterContinental property on the island of Mauritius. The company said that $50m (£25m) would be spent on the creation of a luxury resort by the end of 2008.

Sofitel appoints COO
Sofitel has appointed Robert Gaymer-Jones as chief operating officer, who joins from Marriott International Hotels & Resorts. He will be in charge of implementing the group’s plan to reposition itself as a new global reference in international luxury hotels. Gaymer-Jones will also carry out the launch of the two sister brands, Sofitel Legend and So by Sofitel. Sofitel will become a separate and dedicated business within the Accor Group and has created a multi-national executive team. 

Rotana Hotels to add four properties in Abu Dhabi
Middle Eastern hotel company Rotana Hotels is to launch four hotels in Abu Dhabi following an agreement with integrated real estate company ALDAR properties PJSC. The hotels comprise a 300-room Rotana Hotel on Yas Island, with an expected opening date of 2009; a 250-room Centro by Rotana with an expected opening date of 2009; a 250-room 5 star Rotana Hotel in Al Seef precinct of the Al Raha Beach development, with an expected opening date of 2012; and a 165-unit serviced apartment property in Abu Dhabi.

Marriott to increase presence in China
Marriott International has announced plans to quadruple the number of its hotels China with a view to increase its portfolio in the country to 100 properties over the next five to six years. The group said it is growing its presence in a bid to help meet increasing demand for hotels driven by inbound tourism and increasing travel by China's middle class.

By Kerstin Kühn

E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kuhn here.