Link ME, a Dubai-based hospitality and tourism advisory specialist, has announced its foray into Asia with the signing of a joint-venture agreement with Mandirijaya Bumi Sejahtera, a subsidiary of Paramount Enterprise International, a leading Indonesian real estate developer.

The new joint venture company, Link ME Indonesia, will be providing specialised hospitality advisory and education services for the Indonesian market and Asia at large.

On the partnership, Bassem Terkawi, the co-founder and CEO of Link ME, said: "Asia is a really exciting market for the hospitality, travel and tourism industries, and Indonesia is fast emerging as one of the top destinations for leisure and business tourism."

"Partnering with Paramount Enterprise is a big step for us as we embark on our international expansion journey in Asia. As a provider of end-to-end specialized advisory services, Link ME certainly has the ability, drive and passion to deliver bespoke hospitality solutions to, and for, the Indonesian market," he stated.

Further entrenching its presence in the country, Link ME also signed a service agreement with Parador Hotels and Resorts, a business unit of Paramount Enterprise International providing one-stop hospitality management services.

Under this pact, Link ME will provide hospitality portfolio design strategy and asset management services including strengthening the brand positioning and value proposition, increasing profitability and market share, and developing local and international business expansion models.

Esther Yuanita, the speaker of the Board of Mandirijaya Bumi Sejahtera, said: “Building a solid foundation to facilitate a thriving hospitality industry in Indonesia that benefits generations to come, is one of our core objectives."

"Identifying strategic partners such as Link ME with specialized expertise across the hospitality spectrum, is a key part of our growth and expansion strategy. I am confident that Link ME Indonesia will successfully deliver on its promise and pave the way for future collaborative efforts and achievements," she stated during the signing ceremony held at capital Jakarta.

Georges Chakar, the co-founder and managing partner of Link ME, said: "With the phenomenal tourism growth that Indonesia was witnessing, the need for local and international, skilled and qualified, resources had become a necessity."

From 6.7 million jobs in 2016 to 9 million in 2027, the travel and tourism industry’s contribution to employment is expected to grow at 2.9 per cent annually.

"Our Centre for Hospitality Leadership (CHL), offering state-of-the-art interactive education programmes across all levels within the hospitality industry, will soon be expanding to Indonesia and directly cater to this growing demand for trained and competent talent," he added.

Parador Hotels & Resorts Group COO Johannes Hutauruk said: "This marks a new milestone in our journey to achieve Parador’s vision to become one of the most recognised Indonesian hospitality groups in the world."

"With the travel and tourism industry’s direct contribution to the Indonesian GDP expected to grow by 5.6 per cent every year until 2027, we are confident that our partnership with Link ME will provide us with the needed support to capitalise on this opportunity and realise our vision," he added.

Terkawi said: "Our focus will be on working with the Parador team to create a sustainable business model that serves as a solid foundation for future growth while setting high quality standards and creating best returns for shareholders."

As per the deal, Link ME Indonesia will provide a range of hospitality services including development consultancy and advisory, F&B advisory, destination development, and education from its Jakarta office, slated to open in the fourth quarter.

Till then, Link ME will continue to service the Indonesian market through its Dubai office, he added.-TradeArabia News Service