Come 2024, China is set to welcome a Hello Kitty theme park in Sanya,
Hainan, as well as a corresponding themed hotel by Hyatt Hotels
Corporation in 2025.
The attraction is owned by Hong Kong’s Keyestone Group, in moves to
tap on the popular tropical island's family tourism allure. This will
mark China's second Hello Kitty theme park, following one at Anji in
eastern Zhejiang province in 2015.
Following an intellectual property licensing agreement signed by
Keyestone Group in 2019, Japan's famous feline will join Sanrio's more
than 400 other beloved characters, from My Melody to Gudetama, in the 52
acres Sanya Hello Kitty Resort.
Construction has begun, and the US$620 million project is due to open in the second half of 2024.
Thereafter, in 2025, attraction-goers can book a room right within
the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort at China's first Hello Kitty Hotel —
developed by Keyestone Group and added to the JdV by Hyatt brand.
Part of the hospitality group's host of independent properties, the
newest JdV by Hyatt in Sanya will offer 221 rooms and villas decorated
with Hello Kitty designs and other well-known and beloved Sanrio
characters.
Amenities include three signature restaurants and bar, a themed ballroom, a swimming pool, a spa and a fitness centre.
Sanya Hello Kitty Hotel will also offer seasonal events, activities
and menus to celebrate key festivals with guests throughout the year.
The collaboration marks the second Hyatt-branded hotel located in
Hainan that Keyestone Group has been involved in developing, alongside
the Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa, which opened in
2016.
Jeffery Pun, Chief Executive Officer of Keyestone Group, said, “As
Keyestone Group continues to grow our hospitality portfolio across
Greater China, we are excited to extend our collaboration with Hyatt. We
believe that the hotel and Sanya Hello Kitty Resort will become icons
in Hainan’s tourism landscape and enable us to tap the growing demand
for high-quality travel experiences in this region.”