Philippine real estate giant SM Prime Holdings Inc. has marked its entry into the Chinese hospitality market with the unveiling of the ₱4.1 billion voco Xiamen SM City in Fujian province.
The 325-room upscale establishment marks a symbolic milestone for the company, as Fujian is the ancestral homeland of SM’s late founder, Henry Sy Sr.
Strategically integrated into the SM Xiamen mall complex, the hotel provides direct links to the Wushipu Station on Metro Line 1 and sits a brief 15-minute drive from both the Xiamen Railway Station and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.
SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim emphasized the historical and strategic weight of the new property during its launch.
“voco Xiamen SM City is our first hotel in China, and it connects directly to SM City Xiamen—the very first property we opened in the country 25 years ago,” Lim said.
“With this investment, we are turning the complex into a complete lifestyle destination for tourists. As a major coastal city in Fujian Province, Xiamen is home to the world’s 15th-largest container port and serves as one of China’s four major international shipping centers,” he added.
Xiamen has emerged as a prime hub for culinary tourism and short-term getaways, particularly for younger generations drawn to its Michelin-recognized dining scene and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The hotel’s debut aligns with the Chinese State Council’s latest five-year roadmap to modernize hospitality services, elevate international collaborations, and broaden tourism options.
Long-term projections by the World Travel and Tourism Council suggest China’s travel sector will nearly double, swelling from $1.8 trillion in 2025 to $3.5 trillion by 2036 to secure the global top spot.
Built in collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, the development debuts the voco brand in Fujian province. The property acts as a comprehensive lifestyle hub on central Xiamen Island by blending retail spaces, corporate offices, dining, and premium lodging under one roof.
Designed for a diverse clientele, the hotel features family-oriented accommodations, personalized amenities, and contemporary corporate meeting spaces backed by specialized event management teams.