Ocean Park resort in Hong Kong has issued a tender invitation for the development of a resort hotel targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2016.

Ocean Park has ambitions to become a "premier international resort destination" with the addition of new attractions from 2014 and the development of a hotel scheduled to open in late 2016.

Allan Zeman, chairman of Ocean Park, said: "Having been recognised as a world-leading theme park with our recent Applause Award accolade, we are now ready to transform Ocean Park into a premier international resort destination and further fulfill our role as a major pillar of Hong Kong's tourism industry.

"Further to the completion of our Master Redevelopment Plan, which expanded the Park significantly, Ocean Park will be unveiling a number of world-class attractions beginning in 2014.

Zeman added: "A new shark aquarium, created from the former Atoll Reef, will open in the third quarter of 2014. This will be followed by the opening of the much-anticipated koala exhibit in the fourth quarter of 2014.

"More exciting still is the on-going planning work for the redevelopment of the now-closed Tai Shue Wan area into a waterpark. We look forward to sharing each exciting milestone with the people of Hong Kong and visitors from all over the world alike."