China's Wanda group sets its sights abroad

The homegrown hotel and entertainment group is poised to make its mark worldwide. Liu Weifeng and Hao Nan report from Beijing and Nanjing.

One of China's leading entertainment conglomerates is preparing to make its name abroad in major cities such as New York, Paris, Moscow and New Delhi with hospitality brands Reign, Vista and Realm ranging from luxury to five star hotels.

"This year we plan to open 18 hotels, and another 25 in 2015, when the total number of Wanda's hotels will be 100. Our aim is to set up 200 hotels by 2020," says Ilja Poepper, vice-president of sales and marketing of Wanda Hotels & Resorts at the group's first brand ceremony and forum.