After much debate, “Shangri-La International Hotel Management LLC” finally opened its new branch in Ulaanbaatar. The opening ceremony was attended by CEO of “MCS Group” J.Odjargal, who is the project partner and has invested USD 50 million; also by CEOs of other hotels, and by Mr. Robert Kuok, head of the Shangri-La board of directors. The opening took place some six years after the first stone was laid. The Shangri-La hotel has 290 rooms (the standard rooms are 42m2) and offers two views: one of the Children’s Park and the other of the Choijin Lama Monastery museum. There are also luxury eight room suites. Prices start at USD 240. The total area of the hotel is 2643 m2. The hotel has a general purpose function hall which has an 800 guest capacity. A limousine service is also provided.
Some think that the opening might be a stimulus for Mongolian tourism; investors are currently positive about solving the problems of “Rio-Tinto”. On the other hand, raw material costs are continuing to decrease. Communications Director, William Wong said – Because of weather problems, we have been building this hotel since 2009. As the host of ASEM-2016, Mongolia will receive guests from 50 countries. The opening of the Shangri-la marks the opening of an international high class hotel in Mongolia prior to that event.
Jan Wigsten, CEO of “Nomadic Journeys Co” said – Wealthy tourists are really interested in traveling to the countryside to see animals, Mongolia’s religious heritage and experience nomadic life. Therefore, the opening of Shangri-La will definitely be a stimulus to develop this type kind of tourism.
The second block of the Shangri-La will be opened in the third quarter of 2016.The first block, has 28 floors; the second will have 19 floors and will include luxury apartments, other facilities and retail outlets.
Hong Kong-based “Shangri-La International Hotel Management LLC” has 90 branches worldwide; its first hotel was opened in Singapore in 1971, currently projects are underway to build new hotels in China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippine, Qatar and Sri-Lanka.
The founder of Shangri-La, and owner of the “Kerry Group” Robert Kuok flew into Mongolia by his private jet at 4 pm on 4th June 2015.
