Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement with  Shun Tak Holdings Limited (Shun Tak) to operate its newest five-star deluxe hotel in the Cotai area of Macau.

The Dubai-based luxury hotel management company and a member of Dubai Holding, said 'The Jumeirah Macau Hotel' was scheduled for completion in 2013.

Pansy Ho, managing director of Shun Tak and Gerald Lawless, executive chairman of Jumeirah Group signed the management agreement at a ceremony held in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Lawless said this was Jumeirah's third management agreement in China, with the first Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi scheduled to open in Shanghai in 2009 and Jumeirah Guangzhou Hotel in 2011.

The project will set a new standard for luxury hotel and hospitality services in the Chinese enclave as it emerges as a leading tourism and meetings and convention hub in the region, he added.

Pansy Ho said the new hotel was strategically located amidst the tourism epicentre of Cotai and will enjoy a spectacular view of the Macau Dome, where the city's major sports and cultural entertainment events are hosted.

Design and configuration of the new exciting city resort development have yet to be finalised, but the finished product is deemed to become a true escapade for the most discerning guests who would appreciate quality and exclusivity in the heart of the action, she remarked.

'As the forerunner to introduce premium international hotel brands into Macau, we are once again ready to commit to investing in more diversified products as part of our dedicated blueprint in contributing to the city's tourism industry,' she observed.

'Indeed, this major project came about at a time when some market players are uncertain about the future. Shun Tak's view of the Macau economy is long term. We remain positive that its fundamental is strong and sound, and will continue to invest in its future, trusting that it will be one of the first destinations to recover from the recent market adjustments.'

'Internationally acclaimed for its capability and proven record to operate and manage an enviable portfolio of high-end luxury hotel around the globe, this partnership is instrumental to Shun Tak's strategy of establishing a strong foothold and market presence in the hotel and hospitality industries in the long run,' she added.

Lawless pointed out that Macau had a rich and unique heritage of Asian and European influences, and the Jumeirah Macau Hotel would certainly be a perfect addition to its international portfolio of hotels and resorts, in line with the promise to Stay Different'.'

'Jumeirah is recognised as one of the leading luxury international hotel brands, and is known for being the operator of the world-famous Burj Al Arab, regarded as the world's most luxurious hotel,' he added.

The Shun Tak Group owns a portfolio of valuable hotel properties in Macau, including two of the first international hotel labels in the enclave, with a third to be launched as part of its One Central development.-TradeArabia News Service