Europe/China: Groupe Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs Expands into China

Under its Sunparks and Pierre & Vacances brands, Groupe Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs plans to develop five new year-round destinations for short vacations in China, seeing the increasing demand for such facilities close to Chinese megacities. The group’s concept, which is based on short stays, experiences in nature as well as on versatile sports and leisure offerings for the whole family, will be adapted to the needs of the Chinese target group – e.g., instead of a forest, Chinese guests would prefer park-like gardens.

Two destinations are planned to be built under the Sunparks’ brand: Located around 90 kilometers from Beijing, Sunparks Jixian will cover an area of some 67 hectares, featuring 1,000 apartments and holiday homes. Also, it will include a recreational area and a waterpark on some 34,000 square meters. The second destination, Sunparks Fuzhou Langqi, is also set to open its doors in 2020, located around 52 kilometers away from the equally named city: on an area of 72 hectares, Sunparks Fuzhou Langqi will feature 800 holiday accommodations and a waterpark.

The Pierre & Vacances brand and its joint venture partner Riverside are focusing on vacation either in the mountains, in the countryside or at the sea. In China, guests will enjoy fully-equipped and modern apartments as well as relaxation offerings for young and young-at-heart. Two short vacation destinations of this type are planned to open in China by 2020, one located in Haiyan (around 120 km away from Shanghai) and one in Bishan (with a distance of around 30 km away from Chongqing). Another tourism project will be developed near Thaiwoo Ski Station, the location for the Olympic Winter Games in 2022 (approx. 250 km from Beijing). Based on the concept of French Avoriaz ski village (cp. EAP, 6/12), the Chinese destination will include 560 apartments, a waterpark and spa facility, a ski center, restaurants, retail shops and a kids’ areas. (eap)