News roundup: Branded residences blend luxury hospitality with residential architecture, and more news

For PropertyGuru’s real estate news roundup, several renowned brands and real estate firms have teamed up to offer “branded residences.” In other headlines, Vietnam aims to turn tourism into a spearhead economic sector by 2030, while Thailand’s Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 will investigate land encroachment on Koh Samui in Surat Thani.

Branded residences: Blending luxury hospitality with residential architecture

Metropolitan cityscapes come with the appeal of sophistication, luxury, and exclusivity. Their glittering skylines and vibrant energy attract thousands of tourists and residents seeking luxurious experiences every year. Catering to this market, several renowned brands and real estate firms have teamed up to offer “branded residences” – a modern typology that elevates hotel-like living into a daily delight.

The concept of branded residences can be traced back nearly a century to 1927 when New York City’s Sherry-Netherland Hotel and Apartments joined forces with the famous Sherry’s restaurant. Over the past decade, the trend has witnessed a 230 percent growth with over 580 developments from 133 brands equating to nearly 100,000 residential units established worldwide. The drive for this demand goes beyond aesthetics and architectural grandeur. World-class services and amenities such as spas, fitness centres, private cinemas, and concierge services offered by luxury housing developments build on a sense of indulgence.

According to ArchDaily, the role of the architects is greatly perceived when bringing these branded residences to life, as they navigate the balance between the vision of the brand and the desires of the clients and residents.

Vietnam’s tourism to become truly spearhead, green industry by 2030

Vietnam aims to turn tourism into a spearhead economic sector with green growth and world-leading development capacity by 2030. This is part of a master plan on the tourism system for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2045 approved by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on 13th June.

VietnamPlus reports that the plan targets 25-28 million international arrivals, 130 million domestic travellers, and an annual growth rate of 8-9 percent in the number of domestic tourists for 2025. By 2030, the international tourist number is hoped to reach 35 million and post an annual increase of 13-15 percent while domestic travellers hit 160 million and grow 4-5 percent annually.

Tourism is expected to directly contribute 8-9 percent and 13-14 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025 and 2030, respectively.

Thailand’s Isoc to help probe Koh Samui violations

Thailand’s Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 has joined hands with local authorities to investigate land encroachment on Koh Samui in Surat Thani, focusing on 600 villas built on the island’s hilltops.

Maj Gen Anusorn Ourai, deputy commander of the Fourth Army Region, presided over a meeting on 6th June to discuss what is being called the “Samui Model” operation. It is a bid to fight against environmental vandalism, illegal land ownership, properties built in steep hilltop areas, and illegal business ventures by foreign investors using Thai nominees in Koh Samui district.

Col Dusit Kaysornkaew, head of the Fourth Army Region’s land investigative unit, said in Bangkok Post that eight agencies were to form a task force to inspect 600 properties in six areas of Koh Samui suspected of violating the Hotel Act, Enhancement and Conservation of the National Environmental Quality Act, Building Control Act, and Foreign Business Act.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].