Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group marked a key development in its expansion of the OZO brand in Sri Lanka with a ‘ground breaking’ ceremony to mark the start of construction at the project site of OZO Kandy, the second OZO project underway in Sri Lanka.

The project is a joint venture between Sino Lanka Hotels Holdings, headed by Bob Kundanmal and The Kandy Hotels Co - owning company of the Queen’s Hotel and Hotel Suisse, headed by Sanjeev Gardiner.

ONYX will manage the new hotel under its OZO brand.

Construction of OZO Colombo, located on Marine Drive, began earlier this year and a third project is also under discussion in the coastal town of Galle.

The 128 room OZO Kandy will be located adjacent to the Hotel Suisse at Sangaraja Mawatha off the Kandy Lake.

The hotel’s facilities will include a swimming pool, gym, two restaurants and OZO’s innovative ‘grab and go’ snack bar, O2Go.

OZO is a select service brand aimed at travellers looking for authentic destination experiences and a great sleep, revitalising the idea of smart travel.

Commenting on the proceedings, Simon Allison, executive vice president and chief development officer- ONYX Hospitality Group said:  “Tourism in Sri Lanka is booming and we have identified a gap in the market for a product like OZO.

“This brand offers value and comfort for travellers looking for insider experiences, combined with good connectivity and a great sleep.

“We are delighted to be breaking ground for the second OZO property in Sri Lanka and we hope this will be one of several ONYX projects in the region.

“The location in Kandy is absolutely prime and the city will doubtless consolidate its role as the key central hub on the country’s tourism circuit.”

Since the OZO brand was launched in 2009, a number of key projects have been announced.

The first ever OZO property will launch in 2013, with OZO Wesley Hong Kong and in early 2014, the first OZO resort will be introduced on the Thai island of Koh Samui.