April 2012 resulted in a successful conference month for HVS, as we hosted our CHIC and HICSA Conferences in China and India, respectively," states Steve Rushmore, CO-President and Founder of the firm. "With powerful themes and prestigious speakers, our conferences proved to be the leading hospitality gatherings in these two important destinations."

HICSA (Hospitality Investment Conference South Asia) delivered conversations and thought regarding the current and powerful theme of Sustainability and the financial motivations which are leading to increasing interest in adopting green initiatives at hotels. HVS" Sustainability Services division also released an article about this topic during the Conference.

Among the other popular sessions: India Trends and Opportunities presented by HVS New Delhi Managing Director Kaushik Vardharajan – a discussion of 14 cities in the country and whether hoteliers need to buy, build, hold or sell. Additionally, Accor Chairman and CEO Denis Hennequin, Carlson President and CEO Hubert Joly and Interstate Hotels & Resorts CEO Jim Abrhamson shared their visions and ideas regarding hotel development in India.

Some of India"s leading hotel brands, including ITC and Accor offered trusted advice and suggestions to new entrants in the country – MGM Hospitality, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts and Rotana Hotel Management Corporation and The Trump Organization. In turn, The Trump Organization provided their own assessment of the hotel development scenario in India. The HICSA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Inder Sharma, Former Chairman and Managing Director of Sita World Travel, for his outstanding contributions to the industry and redefining the Indian travel landscape.

Important industry announcements were also shared during the HICSA conference:

  • HVS and WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) released the Indian Hotel Industry Status by 2021 report, which quantifies the industry"s requirements and policies needed to facilitate growth.
  • Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announced a strategic partnership with Bestech in India to develop 49 Park Inn by Radisson hotels by 2024. Bestech will have exclusive development rights while Carlson Rezidor will manage the hotels.
  • MGM Mirage will launch a range of luxury brands in the country, with its first to open in 2014. The hotels include Bellagio Mumbai, MGM Grand and Skylofts Mumbai, MGM Grand and Skylofts New Delhi, and MGM Grand Noida.
  • Rotana Hotels announced expansion into India with plans for Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana and Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana.

CHIC (China Hotel Investment Conference) experienced a record turnout of more than 800 leaders of the hotel and tourism industries, representing more than 20 countries. David Ling, Chairman of the HVS offices in China, opened the conference by highlighting the investment opportunities in global markets, while leading Chinese hotel brands and real estate developers later addressed the tourism development opportunities in the domestic region. Speakers here included Professor Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, Mr. Song Xiang, president of HNA Tourism Group and Chairman of Hainan Airlines Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Han Min, president of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels, Mr. Zhao Li, COO of Vienna Hotel Group and Mr. Sun Zhiguo, General Manager of real estate developer Zhuoda Group.

One of the most popular sessions covered the topic of mergers and acquisitions, as high-profile speakers shared their insights and experiences in acquiring international and domestic China hotel brands. Steven Pan, chairman of Formosa International Hotels Corporation, which acquired the Regent Hotels & Resorts chain, David Sun, CEO of Home Inns (the largest hotel chain in China which acquired the Motel 168 brand), Symon Bridle, COO of New World Hospitality which acquired Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Guarav Bhushan, Chief Development and Investment Office of Accor Asia Pacific and Jeffrey Perlman , Director of Warburg Pincus which invested in the 7 Days Inn Group, all participated in this lively discussion eliciting multiple ovations and dynamic reaction.

"We are so proud to deliver a true value to the attendees of our conferences around the globe," continues Rushmore. " Participants can network and learn from the experiences of leading players in our industry, and knowing that our numbers continue to grow each year, is a source of pride and satisfaction that we are leading educators in our field."

About HVS

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.

Leora Halpern Lanz
+1 516-680-8529
HVS