Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a third hotel in Bangladesh, in the city of Khulna, to further increase its presence in the flourishing south Asian destination.

The move follows a steady and concerted focus on Bangladesh, with projects already underway in Cox Bazaar and the capital Dhaka, as the international hospitality management firm continues to develop its presence in the region.

“We are very pleased to sign our third property in the country and establish ourselves as the first international hotel chain in Khulna in partnership with the property’s owners, Ahyan Hotel & Resorts Limited,” said Andrew Langdon, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts senior vice president, Asia.

“We believe in Bangladesh and its future. It is rapidly developing economically, with a rising and affluent middle class.

“This will be a key driver of our business as we look forward to offering corporate and leisure travellers to Khulna an internationally-branded, upscale hotel experience.”

According to the IMF, Bangladesh’s economy is the second fastest growing major economy globally in 2016, at a rate of 7.1 per cent.

The population is 163 million, and the country attracted over 450,000 overseas arrivals in 2015.

Mövenpick Hotel Khulna is set to open in quarter one of 2019. 

Meeting facilities will play a central part of the newly built hotel with a convention centre boasting a capacity of 950 delegates and four meeting rooms with capacity for up to 50 delegates each.

A Grand Ballroom and pre-function area will cater to 410 guests and be divisible into two areas.

Other facilities include a spa, sauna, salon, infinity swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam bath, gym and health club and three retail outlets.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has well drawn out and aggressive plans for Asia over the next five years.

The Swiss hotel management company plans to manage 30 hotels by 2020 across south and south-east Asia – with primary markets including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Vietnam and Bangladesh.