Hong Kong -- Wharf Hotels has introduced a new leadership programme for its senior teams including general managers, executive committees and department heads that will enable Niccolo and Marco Polo Hotels to develop opportunities for the long term sustainability of the company. The Red Ring Philosophy aims to instill a bold and sharp way of thinking where leaders guide, inspire and create an inclusive and aspirational culture for Associates.

In a constantly evolving global marketplace where hotel groups have become more and more commoditised, the Red Ring Philosophy is a leadership road map that will help Wharf Hotels explore and develop opportunities for the long term sustainability of the company. Commoditisation has meant that the growing plethora of hotel brands cannot be differentiated other than on price, so the strategy is to be bold and seek alternative markets and initiatives that will develop new business streams for the company and its hotel operations.

A compass that can guide management to lead teams into a more successful future, leaders are navigated through the Red Ring Leadership Competency Model to build a creative, results-driven, collaborative and agile culture.

Dr Jennifer Cronin, President, Wharf Hotels in speaking about the new programme said, "The key tenets of the Red Ring philosophy provide hotel leadership teams with the vision to LIVE Bold and to STAY Sharp in an increasingly competitive marketplace. It ensures a cohesive mind set. The Red Ring's LIVE BOLD statement is applied to leadership, innovation, vision and experiences for customers, while its STAY SHARP positioning encompasses being sustainable, holistic, authentic, relentless and pure to the company's vision and mission. Based on these values we believe that the performance as a group will survive the ever changing market demands and preferences of guests and clients."

The programme has rolled out across all sixteen of the group's hotels in China, Hong Kong and the Philippines led by its headquarters leadership team, with over 400 leaders being educated on its guiding principles and competencies: leading people, exceptional results, personal effectiveness and strong relationships.

"The thought-provoking approach of our Red Ring Leadership Philosophy and its inspiring messages made it the most impactful program rolled out to our properties in 2017. Our leaders took the principles of LIVE BOLD, STAY SHARP beyond classrooms with Town Hall Meetings, team building activities, pre-shift briefings and problem resolutions based on the mantra of Red Ring. The 2017 Associate Engagement Survey results released last week have shown record-breaking engagement levels of our people since we started the exercise in 2010, highlighting the remarkable success of our concerted effort in driving loyalty and defining the right culture for our organization through a shared leadership mindset," said Ms Juliette Lim, Vice President Human Resources, Wharf Hotels.

Similar to the scientific structure of DNA, the culture of Niccolo and Marco Polo Hotels is inter-woven with Red Ring's leadership philosophy to create a continuous, endless, seamless and timeless ring that enlivens the spirit to discover and travel. Both father and son, Niccolo and Marco Polo, the namesakes of Wharf Hotels' two brands, were adventurers, travellers, entrepreneurs and connoisseurs of culture. They traversed the world unafraid to try new things and uninterested in convention. Wharf Hotels' brand story follows the two Polos' timeless journeys with the brands reflecting their courage, embracing the company's unique culture resonating with the modern traveller. Just as Niccolo and Marco Polo did over 700 years ago, so do the leaders of Wharf Hotels, live bold.

About Wharf Hotels

The Spirit of Discovery | Emanating the spirit of discovery, Wharf Hotels, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd, is based in Hong Kong and currently operates 16 owned or managed hotels under Niccolo or Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong, China and the Philippines. Niccolo Hotels was added to the group's portfolio in 2015 as the new luxury collection, positioning the brand as contemporary urban chic. The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, opened in January 2018 as the brand's flagship hotel, with 2 new Niccolo hotels currently under development in China following successful openings in Chengdu and Chongqing. Marco Polo's deluxe hotels in established locations maintain their ethos to explore, discover and experience a destination, drawing on the philosophies of its namesake, Marco Polo: an adventurer, a traveller, an entrepreneur and a connoisseur of culture - just as Marco Polo's modern travellers are today. Further details are available at wharfhotels.com.

About Ultratravel Collection

Ultratravel Collection brings together hotels of distinction for the discerning traveller. Its membership is reserved for the very best hotels and resorts in the world - genuinely luxurious and iconic properties that deliver the finest service and personalised guest experiences. Member hotels share an integrated global platform for guest recognition and loyalty rewards, the DISCOVERY programme from partner Global Hotel Alliance, as well as beneficial relationship with the multi-media brand Ultratravel, the other founding partner of Ultratravel Collection. For more information visit ultratravelcollection.com.

Bonnie Ang
Communications Manager
(852) 2118-7292
Wharf Hotels