Is It Time For A Chinese Luxury Hotel Brand? | forbes.com
Asian hospitality has long been a highly desirable attribute in the travel industry. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways have well-earned reputations for great service, while hotel groups such as Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and Peninsula Hotels have successfully moved beyond their regional roots into global players. Of New York City’s seven Forbes Five-Star rated hotels, three are managed by players from the East. At the same time, China has not necessarily benefited from the same halo. In fact, Michael Holtz, CEO of New York- based travel agency SmartFlyer, said, “I can’t think of a single true Chinese luxury brand.” Owner Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) is hoping to change that with NUO Hotels, a brand they say will “celebrate the depth and richness of Chinese culture” developed in conjunction with Geneva-based Kempinski Hotels.
