Grand Metropolitan Hotels Plans Growth in Asia

Following its recent entry into the UK through the takeover of London-based Signature Hotels, Grand Metropolitan Hotels is accelerating its international expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. Martin R. Smura, Chairman and Founder of GMH, together with Supervisory Board Member and former Vice Chancellor of Germany, Dr. Philipp Rösler, were received by the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Phạm Minh Chính, during their visit to Vietnam. 

On the afternoon of February 3, Phạm Minh Chính, Prime Minister of Vietnam, received a delegation at the Government Office led by Dr. Philipp Rösler, President of the Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum and former Vice Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The delegation was in Vietnam for discussions to explore cooperation and investment opportunities.

Dr. Philipp Rösler and Martin R. Smura expressed their admiration and congratulated Vietnam on its strong economic growth over the past five years despite numerous global challenges, particularly its GDP growth of over 8% in 2025. Vietnam is therefore among the fastest-growing economies worldwide. They also acknowledged the country’s attractive investment environment and expressed interest in the rapidly growing tourism and hotel real estate sector.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính emphasized that Vietnam seeks to further strengthen cooperation with Swiss and European companies based on balanced interests. The objective is fair risk-sharing between the state, citizens, and businesses, combined with open dialogue – guided by shared understanding, a common vision, and joint action for rapid and sustainable development.

During their stay in Vietnam, numerous leading companies were visited and expressions of interest were exchanged. Martin R. Smura was particularly impressed by SOVICO Group and by his meeting with Chairman Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung.

SOVICO Group is one of Vietnam’s leading private investment and holding groups with a diversified portfolio. Under the leadership of Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Hùng and his wife, Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of VietJet Air, the company has become one of the country’s most influential private-sector players.

The group operates in strategic industries including aviation – through VietJet Air – finance and banking, real estate development, hospitality, infrastructure, and energy. Through its diversified structure, SOVICO Group contributes significantly to Vietnam’s economic development. 

With its growing presence in the United Kingdom and recent expansion into India, GMH continues to strengthen its position as a globally diversified hotel management company headquartered in Zurich, represented in 46 countries worldwide.

“The expansion of Grand Metropolitan Hotels in Asia focuses not only on the major economies of India and China but also on emerging markets such as Vietnam. We offer an alternative to U.S.-dominated international brand operators and grow in partnership with locally established entrepreneurs,” explains Wilhelm K. Weber, Chief Strategy Officer of Grand Metropolitan Hotels.

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