French hotel chain Grand Mercure has announced the opening of its first property in Myanmar, in the commercial capital of Yangon. According to an industry report, the Grand Mercure Yangon Golden Empire has 175 rooms, ranging in size from 30 square metre rooms to 340 sqm suites. “As Myanmar develops as a popular destination for tourists, business and corporate visitors, we expect to see significant development within the years to come,” Patrick Basset, an official from AccorHotels, Grand Mercure’s parent group, was quoted as saying. The new property, which is located in South Okkalapa Township, will also host a restaurant, deli, a pool bar and two ballrooms that can host up to 400 guests, the report in BWhotelier.com said. Although Myanmar’s tourism industry has struggled in the past year, international hotel chains are still targeting the market. Earlier this year, the luxury Excelsior Hotel opened in Yangon, while American hotelier Rosewood is expected to open a large-scale hotel overlooking Yangon River within the coming months.