Interstate Hotels & Resorts has set up a new business aimed at providing hotel management services to Asian owners looking to invest in properties in the US and Europe.

The new Asia Investment Group will specialise in such services as deal sourcing, acquisition due diligence, financing and brand selection.

Its US-based team, which is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, will be led by Don Li, former CEO of Swiss International Hotels & Resorts (China). It will also include Jackie Lee, vice president of development & acquisitions, and Tina Chang, vice president of asset management.

“Interstate is uniquely qualified to add exceptional value and service for Asian owners seeking to invest in the US and Europe,” said Leslie Ng, Interstate’s chief investment officer. “Our success and growth in this niche segment is due to our talent, experience and resources that drive results for Asian hotel investors.”

The expansion of Interstate’s Asia Investment Group is already well underway, with the unit already having handled properties comprising more than 11,000 hotel rooms.