Vanessa Kong has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong
Ms Vanessa Kong has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing for Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong.
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PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management Scholar Conferred Endowed Professorship
Endowed by the Victoria Park Hotels Limited, Professor Haiyan Song, Associate Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was conferred the title Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism at the Third Inauguration of Endowed Professorships held at the University on 5 September 2017.
The HVS Quarterly Hong Kong and Macau Update
The reverberation from the sharp declines in mainland China visitor arrivals post-2014 echoed into the first quarter of 2016, negatively impacting hotel markets across the region, especially in Hong Kong and Macau. Given that both cities are less than an hour away from mainland China, they suffered from the new restrictions placed on Chinese citizens. For Hong Kong, this included a limit to one visit per week from neighbouring Shenzhen, and for Macau, a stricter control over gaming activities to reduce corruption. However, the market appears to have bottomed out and growth is beginning to stabilize.Hong KongA series of political incidents during 2014 to 2015 caused a slump in Chinese tourist arrivals, leading to a difficult recovery period for the tourism industry, which, until then, had all its eggs in one basket. However, since the first quarter of 2016, Hong Kong is gradually picking up its visitor arrivals pace, albeit not at the levels witnessed in 2014. In the second quarter of 2017, total visitor arrivals to Hong Kong registered 13.6 million, a 1% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The top six feeder markets demonstrated positive YoY changes, except Taiwan with a YoY decline of 1.1%.Mainland China continues to be the largest feeder market recording 10 million arrivals with a 0.8% increase compared with the same period last year. This represents a 74.2% overall share of visitor arrivals. An emerging trend among Chinese travellers can be seen through their travel choices which, while fuelling growth, may also be a potential limitation. Given increasing disposable income levels and a desire for more diverse travel experiences, mainland Chinese are becoming more adventurous with their travel choices. Over the past years, this directly benefited the growth of their arrivals in rival destinations such as Japan and South Korea and markets further afield, after having visited the more familiar environment of Hong Kong. With the growth of infrastructure in second- and third-tier cities and better high-speed rail links in mainland China, Hong Kong is hosting new groups of Chinese travellers from these areas. Therefore, the number of travellers coming from mainland China is stabilizing, however not reaching back to the peak in 2014 with 12 million travellers.Among the major feeder markets, the Philippines registered the highest YoY increase of 15.8% with 250,000 arrivals, a 34,000 increase from the same period last year. Accounted for 1.9% and 2.5% of the market share, Japan and South Korea both recorded a remarkable 11.9% and 7.0% YoY increase, respectively, with 263,000 and 337,000 arrivals. Meanwhile, USA recorded a positive but relatively lower increase as well through a 1.3% YoY with 316,000 arrivals. However contrary to the trend seen, India faced a drastic 17.3% YoY drop with a total of 27,000 decrease of travellers to 129,000. A major reason for this decline can be explained by the visa restriction proposed by the Hong Kong immigration authorities, making it difficult for Indians to visit without reviews and approvals. Originally intended to prevent an abuse of the asylum system, this proposal had since discouraged a great number of Indian tourists and businessmen from coming to Hong Kong. Additionally, Indian banknotes demonetisation implemented in November 2016 to reduce corruption had trimmed many Indian travellers' budgets. Overall, after years of recovering, the market is slowly catching up at a steady pace; demonstrating a rebound from the bottom.
By Christy Tung and Daniel Voellm
Margaret Yeung has been appointed as VP of Brand Management, Communications at Rosewood
Margaret Yeung has been appointed VP of brand management and communications for Rosewood Hotel Group to spearhead the group’s overall strategic branding and communications, further strengthen brand awareness and market positioning, and continue development of the individual brands. Yeung brings more than 20 years of branding, marketing and strategy experience in the luxury, media, and digital arenas combining both client and agency advisory roles to Rosewood Hotel Group. Most recently, she was partner and director of Kalli Strategic Consulting for seven years providing strategic advisory, branding and marketing services for a diverse range of sectors across three continents, including Europe, Asia and North America. Her practice sectors included luxury product brands, private banking, classical musical and fine art, C-suite private groups, and more.
STR: Preliminary July data for Hong Kong hotels
STR's preliminary July 2017 data for hotels in Hong Kong indicates strong performance growth. Based on daily data from July, Hong Kong reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
InterContinental Hong Kong to undergo a major renovation
InterContinental Hong Kong is expected to close for a major renovation in the first quarter of 2019, with the entire renovation taking 12-16 months. The hotel will undergo a spectacular transformation that will position it as one of the top hotels not only in Asia, but also as one of the world"s most iconic hotels. The total transformation will span all guest rooms and suites including bathrooms, all public areas, restaurants and event venues, as well as a redesign of the building façade with a contemporary new look.
Corey Hamabata has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Investment Sales at JLL Hotels & Hospitality
In line with the regional strategy to boost its client service offering, the group has promoted Corey Hamabata to Senior Vice President, Investment Sales. Originally based in Singapore, Mr Hamabata will relocate to Hong Kong in August. He has been involved in a number of significant mandates across the region and will be leading the team in Hong Kong while supporting efforts in the Pearl River Delta and Greater China.
Anita Chan has been appointed as General Manager at Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong, Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong and Dorsett Mongkok
Dorsett Hospitality International appoints Anita Chan, General Manager of Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong, Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong and Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong with an additional role as Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing. In this additional role, Anita will form part of the Dorsett Hospitality International’s Corporate Executive Committee Team Member and will play a strategic focus on Brand Marketing, Customer Relationship Management and Channel Marketing in Website Management. She will be responsible for leading and developing customer loyalties strategies through enhancing the group’s brand awareness both internally and externally, setting up Brand Marketing and Channel Distribution infrastructure, implementing, executing and monitoring systems, standards and process for all Dorsett Hospitality International’s properties across all regions to follow and comply with. Anita joined Dorsett Hospitality International since March 2005 as General Manager for Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong and Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong. She was instrumental in the rebranding project of Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong to Dorsett Wanchai in October 2016 with a refreshing face and standards that are reflective of the Dorsett brand DNA of: contemporary, playful and urban.
Asia pacific Hotel Investment Dominated by Australia and Hong Kong During First Half Of 2017
Hotel investors remain focused on gateway cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne, as they offer positive tourism and trading fundamentals while the long-term demand and supply is in balance. Investors also continue to seek opportunistic investments in key emerging tourism markets such as Vietnam.
ISHC Now Accepting Nominations for the 2017 Rising Star Award Asia Pacific to be presented at HICAP
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), in partnership with the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) is now accepting nominations for the Rising Star Award Asia Pacific to be presented at HICAP on 20 October 2017 at the InterContinental Hong Kong.
Next Story Group announces Kafnu, the future of shared spaces
Next Story Group, a company reimagining urban spaces, today announces Kafnu. Synthesizing the best aspects of co-working, co-living, hotel, retail and private club, Kafnu is a blended space designed for the new generation of creators, from entrepreneurs to remote workers to artists to global nomads. Two Kafnu urban community hubs will open in Hong Kong and Taipei before the end of 2017.
STR: Preliminary May data for Hong Kong hotels
STR's preliminary May 2017 data for Hong Kong indicates performance driven by strong demand. Based on daily data from May, Hong Kong reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
iclub Hotels continues to expand its footprint in Hong Kong with iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel set to open mid-2017
iclub Hotels, a contemporary select-service brand under the management of Regal Hotels International, continues to expand its footprint in Hong Kong. With the opening of iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel in mid-2017, its fourth in Hong Kong, the total room inventory of iclub Hotels will reach 1,025 rooms in the city.
PolyU to host HONG KONG 2017: 3rd Global Tourism & Hospitality Conference
The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will host the HONG KONG 2017: 3rd Global Tourism & Hospitality Conference scheduled for 5-7 June 2017. Forty-eight undergraduate students from the Special Event Class of the SHTM formed an Organising Committee to plan and manage the conference.
Shangri-la opens 4th property in Hong Kong
The new 546-room Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong opens its doors to guests last week as the city"s first urban resort, inspiring lifestyle pursuits with its outdoor living spaces and family activities.
Hong Kong continues to attract tourists and developers as shown by 2017 growth
In 2014, the Chinese territory of Hong Kong was crowned the 11th most popular tourist destination in the world, boasting a total of 27.8 million visitors, apparently making it twice as popular as it's nearest competitor for the title of best tourist destination, Macau. So it's no wonder that the hospitality industry in the region continues to grow. According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS, Hong Kong currently has 22 new projects in the works, with the family-friendly Disney Explorers' Lodge recently opened, welcoming guests into its 750 rooms set within its themed surroundings. Visitors to the Lodge can lose themselves in adventure in one of the complexes exciting gardens; the South American Garden, the Polynesian Garden, the Asian Garden or the African Garden, each of which is abundant with native vegetation to its particular area.
HNA Hospitality Group Gives Boost for SHTM to Advance Hospitality Education
The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to have received a RMB300,000 donation from the HNA Hospitality Group (HNA) for the establishment of the "HNA Hospitality Group/Tangla Hotels & Resorts Students Internship Scholarship" at the SHTM.
STR: Preliminary March data for Hong Kong hotels
STR's preliminary March 2017 data for Hong Kong indicates performance driven by significant demand growth. Based on daily data from March, Hong Kong reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:
Hotel ICON selects Cendyn as CRM and loyalty provider
Cendyn, the hospitality software leader, is continuing to broaden its reach in the Asia Pacific region with Hotel ICON, the latest property in Hong Kong to select Cendyn as their CRM and loyalty partner.With its unique and upscale design concept, Hotel ICON prides itself on providing the ultimate experience for every guest. Using Cendyn as their CRM and loyalty provider, Hotel ICON will be able to consolidate their revenue and marketing strategies to complete the guest experience from booking to departure."We have been looking for a highly-advanced CRM which can help us integrate our customer retention and revenue management strategy," said Mr. Richard Hatter, General Manager of Hotel ICON. "We are so glad that Cendyn could provide us with a solution to do just that. Furthermore, Cendyn provides us with a platform that can enhance the guest experience prior to and during their stay with us."Cendyn's CRM will provide a guest intelligence solution that utilizes data collected from multiple sources to provide a true, single profile of each guest. Using that data, Hotel ICON will be able to communicate to each guest through the channels that work for them and learn more about each guest throughout their travel journey. It will drive guest retention over time and create more loyal, brand advocates from their customer base."Hotel ICON is a hotel that pushes the boundaries of innovation within the luxury hotel sector. Understanding and ensuring they meet every guest's needs is at the core of everything Hotel ICON stands for. Cendyn is proud to be Hotel ICON's chosen CRM & Loyalty technology partner," said John Seaton, Managing Director, International of Cendyn."The Cendyn Marketing Cloud provides a fully integrated platform which harnesses hotel data from across all its systems to create a single version of truth as it relates to their guests' profile data," Seaton said. "This in turn empowers the hotel and its staff to deliver the right message, to the right guest, at the right time and most importantly through the right channel. We are excited to bring the benefits of our unrivalled CRM and loyalty technology platform to Hotel ICON as we continue to grow aggressively throughout Asia Pacific and worldwide."Cendyn combines first and third party data sources to deliver dynamically generated, one-to-one marketing across all digital marketing channels: email, web, display, mobile, and social. This in turn allows Hotel ICON to have a better understanding of who their guests are, personalize the experience for every guest, increase guest satisfaction and loyalty and drive revenue.About Hotel ICONUnlike any other, Hotel ICON is an upscale Hong Kong hotel in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui East. Standing as a testament to Hong Kong's creative energy and vibrant arts scene, Hotel ICON showcases work from the city's celebrated designers and the world's most acclaimed architects. Offering the ultimate in comfort and committed to service excellence, Hotel ICON's 262 stylish guestrooms comprise seductive extras, including complimentary wired and Wi-Fi internet connections, smartphone with unlimited mobile data and an ultra-slim 40" Ultra High Definition LED TV.Located on level 9, Hotel ICON's Angsana Spa is a tranquil oasis while the harbor-facing outdoor swimming pool and fitness center allow guests to exercise while enjoying views of Hong Kong Island's spectacular skyline.With a maximum capacity of 580 persons, Hotel ICON's grand Silverbox ballroom is the ideal venue for a celebration or theatre-style conference. Hotel ICON houses three restaurants: Above & Beyond, The Market and GREEN, providing guests with exceptional quality of the food and impeccable service. wallpaper* magazine included Hotel ICON in its 2011 list of the world's Best Business Hotels and DestinAsian included the hotel in its Luxe List 2011. The premier hotel has also won in 2 categories including the Top 25 Hotels in Asia in the 2017 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards.
Marc Brugger has been appointed as Managing Director at Rosewood Hong Kong
Marc C. Brugger has been appointed managing director for Rosewood Hong Kong which is scheduled to open in 2018. Mr. Brugger is responsible for assembling the opening team with whom he will manage the ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® property, comprised of 398 hotel guestrooms and 199 Rosewood Residences, located on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.