Every Robot was Kung-Fu Fighting!
Commentary on how China's humanoid combat robots are advancing AI capabilities that could soon revolutionize hotel service operations.
By Mark Fancourt, Co-Founder & Principal Consultant, TRAVHOTECH
Search
Fairfield by Marriott Celebrates the Opening of its 100th Hotel in Greater China
The milestone doubles Fairfield's Greater China presence since 2024, with expansion planned into new destinations like Zhangjiajie by 2026.
James Hu has been appointed as Executive Chinese Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen
Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen announces the appointment of James Hu as Executive Chinese Chef. Taking charge of Zhuo Yue Xuan, the hotel’s acclaimed Cantonese restaurant, Chef Hu brings a refined mastery of Chinese cuisine, shaped by over two decades of disciplined training and experience in some of the country’s finest kitchens.
Aubrey Wang has been appointed as General Manager at Lux Chongzuo, Guangxi Resort & Villas
Global hospitality group The Lux Collective continues to accelerate its commitment to advancing women in leadership with the appointment of Aubrey Wang as General Manager of LUX* Chongzuo Guangxi in China. Following the promotion of Sheila Malloo to General Manager of LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius, this latest move reinforces the Group’s intentional focus on cultivating a new generation of female leaders across key markets.
Who Drives Hotel Sustainability? Mapping Stakeholder Roles in Environmental Management
Hong Kong PolyU researchers develop framework mapping stakeholder roles in hotel environmental management, finding owners hindered by costs while employees need more training.
Pierre G. Chidiac has been appointed as General Manager at Capella Nanjing
Capella Hotel Group continues to strengthen its leadership team with the appointment of Pierre Chidiac as General Manager at Capella Nanjing. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Group, as Capella expands its footprint across Asia.
City of the future to welcome Cordis and Ying’nFlo
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has signed a management agreement with China Xiong’an Group Public Service Management Company to bring two of its brands – Cordis Hotels & Resorts and Ying’nFlo – to Xiong’an New Area, a state-level development in northern China built to support the next phase of growth in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Often dubbed China’s “City of the Future”, the destination will soon be home to a growing mix of administrative, commercial, and cultural institutions to be relocated from Beijing, alongside a broad network of civic amenities and public spaces. Xiong’an is also emerging as a center for sporting and large-scale events, supported by the development of dedicated venues and community-focused facilities, underpinned by strong transport links with neighboring cities.
Shangri-La Kunming Debuts as a New Gateway for Cultural Discovery
Shangri-La Group (“Shangri-La” or “the Group”) announces the grand opening of Shangri-La Kunming, a new gateway to Yunnan’s cultural discovery where design-led storytelling, tea traditions, and immersive moments are inspired by the region’s landscapes and artistry. Rooted in the concept of a “Tea Merchant’s Mansion,” the hotel blends Shangri-La’s signature Asian hospitality with Yunnan’s rich local culture, bringing to life the art and joy of Asian hosting for guests exploring “The Best of Yunnan.”
Train of Glamour Joins EHL Alliance as First Chinese Member, Marking New Era for Luxury Rail Travel
Train of Glamour will collaborate with EHL on service standards, talent programs, and culinary experiences for its 80-guest Silk Road Express.
The Langham Destined for Jinan, China’s City of Springs: Group to Bring Luxury Hotel to Shandong Capital’s Century-Old Honglou Neighbourhood
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has been engaged by Jinan Licheng District Quanfuhe Investment Development Co. Ltd. to manage a luxury hotel to be built in Jinan, the capital of China’s Shandong Province. The Langham, Jinan will be located in the budding central business district (CBD) of Century-Old Honglou, a neighbourhood in Licheng District known for historical buildings dating back to the early 1900s. They include the Hongjialou Cathedral, the Shandong Provincial Library, and the Shandong University campus.
Shirley Liao has been appointed as Commercial Director at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen
Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen announces the appointment of Shirley Liao as Commercial Director. With over 17 years of expertise in luxury hospitality, Shirley now brings her trademark blend of strategic acumen and genuine warmth to the leadership team.
Restorative Retreat: Six Senses Brings its Vision of Reconnection to Beijing’s Historic Three Hills and Five Gardens Cultural Area
Six Senses announces the signing of Six Senses Beijing, which will open in the Haidian District of China’s capital. The hotel management agreement with Beijing Zhongguancun Avenue Construction & Development Group forms part of the thoughtful renewal of Liulangzhuang, now emerging as a center for cultural programming and international exchange. Within it, the Three Hills and Five Gardens heritage landscape is long associated with the Summer Palace and the imperial retreats of the Qing dynasty.
Accor celebrates its 800th hotel in Greater China with the grand opening of Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District Hotel
Accor is proud to announce the grand opening of its 800th hotel in Greater China — Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District – a shining tower with panoramic views of Xinlong Lake, set amid a neighborhood of modern, ecologically-minded businesses, high-end offices, and tech enterprises. Developed in partnership with High-speed Railway New City Company and Changzhou Hi-Tech Group Co., Ltd., Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District is a significant milestone for Accor in the Chinese hospitality market.
IHG Introduces Garner Hotels to Greater China
IHG's 14th brand in Greater China targets the growing conversion market with flexible renovation models and has already opened in Beijing's 798 Art District.
Hyatt Place Nanjing Xuanwu Now Open: a New Hyatt Place Hotel with 190 Rooms Debuts in the Capital of Jiangsu Province
Hyatt Place Nanjing Xuanwu today announced its grand opening, marking the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in Nanjing. The opening further expands the brand’s presence in China’s key cities while offering business and leisure travelers a new option that blends efficiency with comfort. True to the Hyatt Place brand experience, the hotel features contemporary design, a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and convenient amenities. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, all-day dining, and 24-hour fitness and laundry facilities—supporting modern travelers seeking both productivity and relaxation during their stay.
The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan Debuts as a New Landmark of Elegance on the Yangtze River
Today, The Ritz-Carlton announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan, marking the brand’s debut in central China. Located within the 330-meter-high Yuexiu Global Financial Center Tower, the hotel stands at the heart of the city’s premier integrated commercial and retail district and offers sweeping views of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Combining the brand’s unparalleled service and immersive guest experiences with Wuhan’s rich cultural heritage, the hotel welcomes guests to a sanctuary of refined hospitality high above the city. Located at the junction of the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan has for centuries served as both a vital transportation hub linking nine provinces and a center for poetry, music, and bronze craftsmanship. Today, the city thrives as a modern metropolis of finance, commerce, and culture. The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan is situated in the heart of Hankou, an area where the city’s historic commercial roots blend with its contemporary financial energy, placing guests within a 10-kilometer drive from renowned attractions such as Jianghan Road, Yellow Crane Tower, and East Lake Scenic Area.
New Hotel Deal for the Langham to Form Ningbo Trio
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has signed a management contract for The Langham, Ningbo, a luxury hotel to be opened in the historic heart of Ningbo’s Haishu District. Situated in the Xiushui Street area, a neighborhood known for its traditional architecture and Jiangnan heritage, the property will be the Group’s third hotel in the city. It will accompany Cordis, Dongqian Lake, Ningbo and Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza to form a strategic cluster in one of China’s leading maritime centers.
Atwell Advances Its Footprint in Greater China with “New Territorial Home”, Deepening Its Lifestyle Positioning
IHG's lifestyle brand opens its second Greater China property in Hefei, with plans to expand into Suzhou, Nanjing and Guangzhou.
IHG Hotels Resorts Focuses on Three Leading Commercial Engines to Build a New Business Travel Ecosystem
IHG launches three commercial engines in Greater China to capture business travel recovery, combining network expansion with digital tools and loyalty benefits.