Gran Meliá Chengdu

The growth and geographic diversification of Meliá is once again proving a major competitive advantage in resisting the crisis and leading the recovery

While Covid-19 continues to cause significant damage in major markets in Europe and America, for international hotel companies China has become a pioneering scenario for recovery. Containing the pandemic has had immediate positive effects on the economy and the travel industry in China, which statistics indicate is experiencing a rapid recovery. According to the China Tourism Academy, more than 90% of hotels and tourist attractions in the country have reopened along with around 60% of travel agencies. Furthermore, more than 80% of Chinese people report a desire to travel in the third quarter of 2020.

Against this backdrop, Meliá Hotels International has resumed work on an expansion plan which aims to double its presence in China within two years, from 5 to 10 hotels in operation. The positive evolution of demand in hotels and the reactivation of the domestic market (according to Airbus, domestic flights in August recovered to 90% of previous levels) have encouraged the company to open an ultra-luxury urban resort in Chengdu this week. With 3,000 years of history, Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan province in southwest China and one of the greatest exponents of the country's modern prosperity. Chengdu is also famous worldwide for being the natural habitat of the popular giant panda.

The opening of Gran Meliá Chengdu and upcoming opening of the Gran Meliá Zhengzhou in a few months also represent the continuity of the Gran Meliá brand, the maximum expression of luxury with a Spanish accent, which has been so successful in China since the opening of Gran Meliá Xián 5 years ago. The Meliá Hotels International management team in Asia Pacific, led by Bernardo Cabot, Vice President of the region, hosted the hotel opening ceremony on September 25. "In a situation as complicated as the one faced by the international travel industry, the fact that we can celebrate the opening of a new hotel in China is a great reason to be happy and should also send a message of optimism and confidence with regard to the future. Meliá has been firmly committed to China for many years, building relationships with key players in the industry, consolidating our brands and gaining the trust of the market. That is why we are very proud that, at a time like this, our presence here is even more valuable", explained Cabot.

The hotel occupies over 28,000 square metres of land in the south of the city facing Jincheng Lake, an oasis of tranquillity and nature in the centre of Chengdu. It consists of 7 buildings that combine the traditional "Shu-Han" design of the city with modernist elegance and lush gardens. The hotel provides 265 rooms and luxurious facilities, such as a spa, fitness centre, heated indoor pool and more than 3,500 square metres of space for events and meetings. It also boasts a choice of dining options with 5 different spaces ranging from traditional Chinese cuisine to authentic Iberian dining, which adds a Spanish accent to the hotel experience. Finally, the RedLevel service includes the most ultra-luxurious hotel experience for the most discerning guests, with private facilities, personalised services and butler service, among other benefits.​