Accor continues the growth of is 5-star Sofitel brand in China, with the announcement of two new management contracts for hotels in Qingyuan and Chongqing.

The Sofitel Forebase Chongqing (230 rooms) and Sofitel Riverside Qingyuan (360 rooms) are part of the largest-ever expansion of the Sofitel brand in China and the Asia Pacific region.

There are currently 37 Sofitels in Asia Pacific in key cities including Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Melbourne, with a further 20 hotels are under development.

Sofitel Forebase Chongqing hotel is part of a four tower development with the city's flagship International Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC) in the middle, which also included office buildings and shopping mall. The hotel design incorporates an ultra-modern look including a 2,000 sqm split level lobby with glass roof, the first of its kind in Chongqing. Once completed the hotel will have three restaurants and a bar, one multi-function meeting space, business centre, swimming pool, fitness centre and spa

Sofitel Riverside Qingyuan is being developed as a weekend retreat and MICE centre for southern China, located just one hour from the new Guangzhou International Airport. The hotel will offer three restaurants and two bars, a 6,000 sqm entertainment complex, two meeting rooms, business centre, and two swimming pools each with an adjacent fitness centre and spa facility.

Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2008, with Sofitel Riverside Qingyuan the first internationally managed five-star hotel in the destination.

Accor Asia Pacific Managing Director Michael Issenberg said Sofitel was quickly becoming the most recognisable luxury hotel brand in China.

By the end of 2006 Accor will have at least 40 hotels in operation around China under its Sofitel, Novotel, Grand Mercure, Mercure and Ibis brands.