Chinese hotel chains expand overseas operations

Since the country's outbound tourism market started to show signs of a steady recovery last year, a number of domestic hotel chains have begun expanding their overseas operations to cash in on Chinese travelers' wanderlust.

They have already made strong inroads in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries, the first nations to embrace the increasing arrivals of Chinese travelers.

Last September, iElectronic Sports Hotel announced it would construct its first overseas facility in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The new hotel, which aims to attract esports enthusiasts, has made a total investment of 20 million yuan ($2.75 million) and will offer more than 80 guest rooms.