This year, the hotel group made its foray into China by clinching a management contract for the 5-star The Millennium Hongqiao Hotel in Shanghai.

Michael Sengol, Executive Vice President - Asia Pacific, Millennium & Copthorne International, says: "We also have a hotel in Beijing that we're going to open during the Olympic Games. That's also our flagship property that we own and manage. So the Shanghai is the first entry point right now."

The group says it will adopt a two-pronged approach in its expansion plans.

It is seeking to acquire suitable properties, and to secure a greater number of management contracts.

Mr Sengol says: "In China, we're talking to owners in Chengdu, and several key destinations. We should have about 10 hotels in the pipeline within the next year."

It is bullish especially on China as it believes the country has the potential to lead the growth in the hospitality industry.