Geline Salac

SM Prime's new voco luxury hotel in Xiamen City

SM Prime's new voco luxury hotel in Xiamen City. Handout

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784246524512voco Hotel Exterior01.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>SM Prime&#x27;s new voco luxury hotel in Xiamen City. Handout</div>XIAMEN, China – Philippine real estate giant SM Prime Holdings has expanded its footprint in China with the opening of the voco luxury hotel and the ongoing development of a new commercial area that caters to China’s Gen Z in Xiamen City.The voco Xiamen SM City, a 325-room upscale development launched in collaboration with British hospitality group IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts, marks the premium voco brand’s debut in Fujian province. The venture represents the first hotel partnership between the two multinational groups within mainland China.Strategically situated on Xiamen Island, the hotel connects directly to SM City Xiamen, the landmark commercial complex opened by the Philippine conglomerate 25 years ago. SM Prime said the integration completes a comprehensive urban ecosystem, combining retail, dining, office space, and premium accommodation under a single hub.SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim said the project is a critical milestone for the company’s portfolio in China.&quot;With this investment, we are turning the complex into a complete lifestyle destination for tourists,&quot; Lim said. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784246578515SMXM Exterior (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>SM City complex in Xiamen City. Handout</div>The investment arrives as China aggressively accelerates its travel sector, which is already the largest in the world. According to a June report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the country&#x27;s tourism market is projected to nearly double from $1.8 trillion last year to $3.5 trillion by 2036. This expansion is heavily backed by the State Council&#x27;s newly approved five-year development plan, which targets upgraded infrastructure, enhanced international cooperation, and boosted domestic consumption through 2030.Designed for both high-end corporate events and leisure travelers, the complex includes a 420-square-meter pillarless ballroom, a dedicated wellness center, and extensive transport links via the adjacent Wushipu Metro Station.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784246728212CHAO BLOCK Design Renderings (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>A rendering of SM City Xiamen&#x27;s Chao Block. Handout</div><div>A different kind of mall for Gen Zs</div>SM is also developing a new 24/7 commercial area in the SM City complex that targets the younger crowd. Dubbed as the Chao Block, the new aims to provide be more “experience-driven.”Chao Block will have an artsier vibe and will host events that cater to young people who are looking for hangouts that will look great on their social media feeds, according to an SM official. It also aims to serve young professionals who work in the offices surrounding the SM City mall complex.

SM Prime expands its footprint in China with the opening of the voco luxury hotel and the ongoing development of a new commercial area that caters to Gen Z in Xiamen City.

SM Prime expands its footprint in China with the opening of the voco luxury hotel and the ongoing development of a new commercial area that caters to Gen Z in Xiamen City.

SM Prime enters China's hotel market, targets GenZ with mall expansion in Xiamen

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Business

SM Prime enters China's hotel market, targets GenZ with mall expansion in Xiamen

Arthur Fuentes,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 17, 2026 08:17 AM PHT

Read More:

SM Prime Holdings

Xiamen

China

SM City

voco hotel

Chao Block

Gen Z

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.