ORGANISERS looking beyond China’s traditional gateway cities may soon have a compelling new alternative, with the opening of a fifth terminal at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport strengthening connectivity to one of northwest China’s fastest-growing meetings markets.
The expanded airport infrastructure is expected to improve access to Xi’an, a city increasingly positioning itself as both a tourism destination and commercial hub.
Among the venues seeking to capitalise on that growth is Cordis, Xi’an, which blends the city’s historic role as the starting point of the Silk Road with the region’s business growth and historic attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors.
The Langham Hospitality Group’s latest Cordis hotel is located in Airport New City, next to Xi’an Airport Convention and Exhibition Centre and minutes from the airport.
Langham Hospitality Group chief executive Bob van den Oord said the city’s business development along with tourism is on the rise.
“Xi’an is entering an exciting new phase of growth, driven by its continued role as a tourist destination and expanding importance as a commercial centre,” Van den Oord said.
He added:
We see strong demand for a hotel capable of serving the broad range of experiences visitors to the city now seek, whether for personal or professional endeavours.”
For meeting planners, the combination of improved air access and integrated venue infrastructure could enhance Xi’an’s appeal for conferences, incentives and corporate gatherings in western China.
The 252-guest-room and suite Cordis, Xi’an is linked to a broader convention precinct, allowing organisers to combine hotel-based meetings and banquets with larger exhibition facilities at the neighbouring convention and exhibition centre.
The hotel offers more than 1,000 square metres of dedicated event space centred on a pillar-free Grand Ballroom with high ceilings, LED screen, HK projectors and a river-facing reception foyer. The ballroom can be divided into three sections. There is also an Events Studio and flexible function rooms that can be reconfigured for smaller meetings, training sessions and private events.
To support increasingly technology-driven events, Langham has equipped the property with integrated event infrastructure including a large LED screen, HD projection systems, professional audiovisual equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi capable of supporting hybrid meeting formats.
Beyond its event facilities, the 252-room hotel has been designed to reflect Xi’an’s cultural heritage. Features include a pillarless ballroom inspired by Silk Road-era mansions, the Ming Court restaurant serving Cantonese and Shaanxi cuisine, and guest rooms drawing on the traditional three-courtyard residential layout associated with the Tang Dynasty.
The property forms part of a partnership between Langham Hospitality Group and developer Xi’an Hao Rui Property, with both parties aiming to respond to changing traveller expectations as the city develops as a business and leisure destination.
