Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Zhengzhou. The opening marks the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Henan Province. Strategically situated in the center of Zhengzhou, the 39-story hotel features 448 contemporary guestrooms and suites and is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Henan Sheng Long Real Estate Co. Ltd.
Jin Jiang International Hotels will once again partner with Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world's premier business travel and corporate meetings organization, for GBTA Asia's second annual regional China Conference to be held from 31 March-2 April in Shanghai.
Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts announces the signing of an agreement with Huaning Grant Tourism Development Co. Ltd to manage a deluxe Dusit Thani Resort as well as a Dusit Residence in Fuxian Lake, Yunnan, comprising 680 guestrooms and apartments in total.
Pullman, Accor’s upscale brand, announces the opening of the Pullman Shanghai South, its second property in the city of Shanghai and its fifteenth in China – which is the brand’s leading market in terms of number of hotels. With 45 hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific (including 32 in Asia), Pullman confirms its strong growth and success in this region, accomplished through an unprecedented approach to upscale international hospitality.
Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc., a leading economy hotel chain operator in China, today announced that it has signed a legally binding memorandum of understanding to acquire 100% ownership of Yunshang Siji Hotel Management Company from Kunming Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd., a publicly listed company in the domestic A-share market, for a cash purchase price of RMB 230 million, subject to satisfactory due diligence and customary purchase price adjustments. The transaction is expected to close on April 1, 2014.
Beijing International Hotel, a world-class Chinese luxury hotel, has selected Newmarket International, Inc. ("Newmarket") to provide multiple technology solutions to improve operations and support its business growth. Opened in 1987, Beijing International Hotel is the first luxury 5-star hotel in China. Recognized as a premier destination for banquets, meetings, and conferences, it has almost one thousand guest rooms and 30 function rooms.
Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts announces the signing of an agreement with Guangzhou Siborui Hotel Company Limited to manage a hot springs resort consisting of 133 villas and guestrooms. The Dusit Devarana Hot Springs & Spa will be the first internationally branded lifestyle and hot springs luxury resort located in Conghua, Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province, approximately 50 minutes from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and 75 minutes away from the central business district of Guangzhou. The Guangzhou Siborui Company Limited is a joint venture Company established by Guangzhou Metro Corporation and Guangzhou Pearl River Enterprises Group, Ltd.
Raised in Scotland, Anne Scott graduated from University in Edinburgh and joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts operations in 1993. She moved into Human Resources and in 1997 she was appointed Area Director of Human Resources for UK, Ireland and Scandinavia.
Ian Alexandre has been named the new general manager of the Conrad Beijing. Alexandre joins Hilton Worldwide from Sofitel, where he held the position of vice president for the Pacific region. Prior to this he worked for Sofitel Wanda hotels in China. He has 28 years of experience.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) continues its rapid expansion in China with the opening today of the 317-room Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview, bringing the total number of properties in China under the flagship Marriott Hotels brand to 15. Marriott International manages the Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview under a long-term agreement with the owner, Shanghai Bao Hua Group.
Sunny Li has been appointed vice president of development, China at Rosewood Hotel Group, reporting to James Simmonds who is recently promoted to senior vice president of development, Asia Pacific and China. Mr. Li has over 30 years experience in the Hong Kong, mainland China and regional hospitality industry covering development, operations, and sales and marketing at both corporate and property levels. Most recently, he was vice president of development, Greater China at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Shanghai for three years following a four-year position as director of development, Greater China at Wyndham Hotel Group in Hong Kong. Previously, Mr. Li worked with various hotel groups in Asia Pacific with a focus on sales including Marriott International Asia Pacific, Mega Hotels Management Limited, Delta Hotels & Resorts, Chains Hotels & Resorts and Sheraton Hotels & Towers.
The Langham Place has staked its brand in one of the most historical and commercially important cities in China. The opening of Langham Place in Xiamen makes it the ninth Langham Hospitality Group hotel in mainland China and 22nd in its global portfolio. The hotel is also the third Langham Place hotel to open in the last three months, after Guangzhou and Ningbo respectively. Located on Xianyue Road in the heart of the city centre, Langham Place, Xiamen is ideal for corporate travellers and conference participants; the hotel's enviable location makes it a 15 to 20 minute drive from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Xiamen Conference and Exhibition Centre, Software Park and the main railway station. Leisure guests only need stroll a short distance to Wanda Plaza, the city's newest luxury fashion and shopping destination. "We are honoured to debut the Langham Place brand in this vibrant city," said Lo Young, regional vice president of China, Macau and Taiwan at Langham Hospitality Group. "This luxury hotel represents one of the best that the Langham Place brand in China has to offer and showcases our commitment to developing similar luxury hotels on a global level." Franck Naulleau, general manager of Langham Place, Xiamen said: "Xiamen is one of the most popular cities in China for tourism, and one of the nation's special national economic zones. Due to the city's rapidly growing economy, rich culture and active commerce, we are well placed to create the most sophisticated lifestyle offering in the heart of Xiamen's cosmopolitan centre." The 327 spacious rooms and suites offer guests the utmost in modern luxury and comfort. Designed by Leo Design Company Limited, guests may expect tasteful well-appointed furnishings, naturally textured fabrics, designer light fittings and specially commissioned art pieces, making them a modern residence for both business and leisure traveller. Thoughtful touches include signature Dream Beds, a personalised pillow menu and a creative 'Dream' themed turn down service inspired by the local culture of Xiamen. Located on the top two floors, the Club L guestrooms allow guests to enjoy the exclusivity of the two-level Lounge with stunning views of the city skyline. In addition, Club L guests may also enjoy an extra level of personalised service and privileges including complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and the use of the boardroom. With innovative cuisine, creative cocktails and stunning décor, each of the hotel's three restaurants will leave a lasting impression on gourmands. The all-day restaurant The Place features interactive show kitchens, buffets and a-la-carte selections. Guests may also watch the talented chefs prepare dishes a-la-minute on the Mongolian barbecue grill. The hotel's signature restaurant, Ming Court, reminiscent of its Michelin-star namesake at Langham Place, Hong Kong, specialises in modern and authentic Cantonese cuisine and has nine private dining rooms that are ideal for entertaining business clients or friends and family. Other outlets to tantalize the diner's plate are the live-cooking teppanyaki station at T2, which offers delicious tapas, whisky and sakes, and L Bar serves tasty bites, along with creative cocktails and fine wines from it two-storey wine cellar. A sensory touch that sets the Langham Place, Xiamen experience apart from its competition is the resident D.J. who will mix an ambient "Change of the Day" soundtrack from the D.J. booth. The hotel also offers nine meeting rooms ranging from 60 to 720 square metres. The pillar-free grand ballroom can cater up to 655 guests with state-of-the-art audio, visual and lighting system and equipment. The dedicated event team provides professional efficient services to ensure seamless and successful experiences. The Gallery is a suite of specialty meeting venues designed in an all- inclusive environment incorporating food and beverage areas and break out/lounge spaces that will encourage highly focused and motivated gatherings. A fast favourite for memorable occasions and high powered meetings, the 260-square metre Star Room on Level 26 is the highest function room in Xiamen and offers panoramic city and sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Wedding couples may also enjoy direct access from the Honeymoon Suite to the Star Room. An additional seven function rooms cater for various sized events, each with intimate coffee break facilities. Guests may also enjoy the services and facilities at Chuan Spa, a serene sanctuary designed to enhance wellness and promote the rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit. The treatments are based on the ancient philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) using the five elemental forces of fire, earth, water, metal and wood. The spa offers nine treatment rooms and one Dream room including one specially designed for couples. Other recreational facilities include a fitness centre equipped with the latest workout equipment, and an indoor heated swimming pool with natural light and an underwater sound system.
Hilton Worldwide and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of Waldorf Astoria Beijing, marking the second Waldorf Astoria hotel in China and the brand's continued international expansion. An expression of its unique location, Waldorf Astoria Beijing features 176 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, three unique restaurants, including Peacock Alley, Brasserie1893 and Zijin Mansion, 796 square meters of function meeting space, a spa and fitness center with heated indoor swimming pool. The hotel is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by China Oil & Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO).
Pan Pacific Hotels Group has signed two management agreements for PARKROYAL Chengdu and Pan Pacific Zhuhai, marking the upcoming debut of the PARKROYAL brand and the opening of its sixth "Pan Pacific" property in China. Under the management agreement with Xinyuan Holding Group Co. Ltd, Pan Pacific Hotels Group will manage PARKROYAL Chengdu, China's first PARKROYAL hotel that is scheduled to open in 2017.
Brice Pean has been named general manager of the brand new Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing, which is due to open in May. A French national, Pean’s hospitality career spans 26 years, more than 13 of which were spent in senior management roles with Hilton.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world's premier business travel and corporate meetings organization, have recently announced the appointments of their Advisory Board members for the GBTA China Chapter which is made up of high level corporate travel management experts from local and international companies within the region. Ms. Cinn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing & Sales of Jin Jiang International Hotels, was appointed to be an advisory board member to lead the supplier team.Jin Jiang International Hotels will be partnering for the second consecutive time with GBTA during its annual GBTA China Conference 2014, to be held from 31 March - 2 April in Shanghai, China. As the main sponsor for the conference, Jin Jiang International Hotels will host the event at their iconic flagship heritage hotel, the Jin Jiang Hotel, in central Shanghai.
TSA Solutions, a leading global provider of measurable and sustainable revenue performance enhancing solutions for the hotel industry, has tapped Christine Liu, a hospitality professional with extensive sales experience in China, as its regional director of business development for the Greater China market. TSA Solutions' flagship product is the Front Desk Upsell program, which combines skills training, technology and ongoing performance management tools to help hotels generate greater revenues and higher guest satisfaction scores.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group has announced the signings of four management contracts to add three PARKROYAL and one "Pan Pacific" hotels to its portfolio across Asia Pacific – namely in Australia, China and Myanmar.With these additions, the Group now owns and/or manages 38 hotels, resorts and serviced suites with close to 12,000 rooms in Asia, Oceania and North America, including those under development.
Foued will oversee the operations of FRHI's portfolio of hotels in China with a focus on performance, employee engagement and implementation of quality and standards, and will be based in the company's Shanghai regional office. Reporting to Wayne Buckingham, senior vice president, Asia Pacific, Foued brings a wealth of experience working at various luxury hotels in China. Foued joins FRHI Hotels & Resorts from Hyatt Hotels Corporation where he held the position of area director, East China, and was responsible for the hotels in Shanghai, Ningbo, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Prior to this, he was the director of sales & marketing at Swissôtel Beijing from 1998 to 2000. Foued studied Strategic Marketing and Marketing Management at Cornell University; he is also fluent in English, Mandarin, French and Arabic.
Mr Kofi A. Annan, founding chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation and Secretary-General of the United Nations, 1997-2006 will provide the keynote address at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, which will take place in Sanya on the island of Hainan, China, on 24-25 April. In 2001, Mr Annan and the United Nations were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. Kofi Annan was praised for being "pre-eminent in bringing new life to the organization" (Norwegian Nobel Committee, October 2001). Since leaving the United Nations, Kofi Annan has been active pressing for policies that will meet the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly in Africa. He continues to use his experience to mediate and resolve conflict. Joining Mr Annan on the speakers' platform will be more than forty other leading figures from the worlds of business, sport and Travel & Tourism. The 14th Global Summit in Hainan Province, China, will explore 'Changing world, new perspectives'. Public and private sector leaders from outside and inside the industry will examine historical perspectives and their relevance for the future. They will look at Travel & Tourism from a new angle and seek to develop a new industry proposition that goes beyond the economic agenda, identifying how businesses can benefit from this new way of thinking.