IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest hotel group, signed a management contract for its first Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong today, marking a strategic step forward for the world’s first lifestyle boutique hotel brand in Asia Pacific.
Ideally located in the heart of Kowloon, Regal Kowloon Hotel has recently completed the refurbishment of two guest floors as one of the Hotel’s many upgrading programs to further enhance the standard of accommodation and service.
Mr. Girard has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining the Group, he had spent the last 18 years with Marco Polo Hotels, during which he held the positions of General Manager of the Hongkong Hotel, Vice President, Marketing & Operations and Area Director for Marco Polo’s three Hong Kong properties. In the past three decades, he has held positions in various disciplines in hotels all over the world including Rooms Division, Food & Beverage and particularly Sales & Marketing in Malta, Indonesia, Malaysia, England, Switzerland, Italy, Kuwait, Dubai, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Guyana (South America) and Australia for International chains such as Hyatt International, Holiday Inn, Beaufort International, Forte Hotels, Rank Hotels and Sino Hotels. Mr. Girard speaks English, Maltese, Italian and Arabic. He is an active member of the hotel industry and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Hotels Association.
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Adriano Vences as Resident Manager. The move comes following his assignment as Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverage, for Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. A Portuguese national, Adriano started his career in hospitality in 1983 as part of the food and beverage team of Hyatt Carlton Tower in London. In 1992, he joined the pre-opening team of The Landmark London, formerly the Regent Four Seasons, where he furthered his experience in food and beverage operations and management until 1998. His ensuing years in the industry took him on key assignments in some of the world’s most exciting destinations, to include Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Chile, New Delhi, and Dubai. Adriano brings with him a wealth of specialized experience working with global hotel brands such as the Grand Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, and Oberoi.
Dean currently oversees the strategic positioning and daily operations of the hotel. Previously he managed the launch of Swire Hotels, overseeing pre-opening preparations for The Opposite House, which opened in Beijing in 2008, as well as The Upper House and EAST, which opens next year in Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong. Dean has over 20 years of senior management experience in London, Hong Kong and Singapore. A former director of food and beverage within Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, he was also general manager of Conran Restaurants, London, from 1999-2001. Prior to joining Swire Hotels, Dean was the executive assistant manager at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, responsible for overseeing its renovation prior to re-opening in 2006. Dean is supported at The Upper House by a team of experienced professionals with global hospitality industry experience chosen to enhance Swire Hotels' aim to provide a unique experience for travelers who seek individuality, style and personalized service.
The Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ricky Lam as Director of Food & Beverage. The move comes following a successful two-year stint in the same capacity with Prince Hotel. In his new role with the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Ricky will be responsible for the overall management of food and beverage operations, focused on maintaining optimum levels of product and service standards to ensure guest satisfaction. He will also be driving business profitability for the hotel’s banquet facilities and award-winning restaurants and bars.
Since first joining Marco Polo Hotels in 1985, Simon has held key positions in food and beverage operations for the Group’s hotels in Hong Kong. Prior to his appointment with Prince Hotel, Simon was Food and Beverage Manager for Gateway Hotel. In his current role, Simon will be leading and training his team towards delivering a superb experience to guests of Prince Hotel’s renowned restaurants and bars, on top of overseeing the daily operations of his department.
An interesting panel of speakers, the relevance of the topics discussed, the economic climate, increased interest in the role of technology in the hospitality industry – all contributed to make this year one of the most successful forums at HOFEX. Held on May 7th - the second day of HOFEX, the Forum attracted more than 130 registrants from home and overseas. The house was full for both the morning and afternoon sessions, and every so often with standing room only.
Swire Hotels is set to unveil its second Hong Kong hotel and its third property worldwide in January 2010 with the opening of a lifestyle business hotel, EAST. EAST is located at Island East, incorporating a new landmark development by Swire, One Island East, in Quarry Bay. The location at one of the most attractive out-of-Central business addresses in Hong Kong, a new home to over 300 multinationals including some of the most prestigious Fortune 500 corporations, makes it ideal for business travellers.
Novotel Citygate Hong Kong has been selected once again as “Best Mid-range Hotel in Hong Kong” in the TTG China Travel Awards 2009. It is the second consecutive year that the Hotel has been honoured this recognition by the publication. 15,800 nominations cast by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice China who determined the most outstanding performers in China’s travel and tourism industry.
As the global economic uncertainty continues to affect the wider hospitality industry, many hoteliers are desperately searching for new innovative technological solutions to their problems. The fifth bi-annual Hospitality Technology Forum being held on MAY 7th at the Hong Kong Exhibition Center, will bring together leading members of the hospitality industry to discuss a wide range of topics of importance to hoteliers. The Hospitality Technology Forum will include practice discussions and workshops by twenty key industry members from around the world, providing a truly global perspective to many of the current challenges facing the wider hospitality industry.
Gottfrid has over 10 years work experience in the hospitality industry primarily in the Front Office operation within the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG). He was previously the Front Office Manager at the luxury property InterContinental Shenzen; and the Reception Manager at InterContinental Hong Kong.
Mr Francesco Frangialli, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) gave a public lecture on the prospects of the hospitality industry amidst the current global financial crisis on 26 November at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).
With the support of world-renowned electronics manufacturer Samsung Electronics Hong Kong, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has garnered more momentum in advancing hospitality technology.
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel’s Lobby Lounge was conferred the distinction of ‘BAR WITH THE WORLD’S MOST VARIETIES OF RUM COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE’ by Guinness World Records. Lobby Lounge’s selection of 102 rum varieties from different parts of the globe were individually checked and verified in an adjudication event led by Ms. Angela Wu, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records. Witnessed by members of the press, hotel guests, and loyal patrons of Lobby Lounge, the adjudication process culminated in the presentation of the Guinness World Record certificate to Mr. John Girard, General Manager and Area Director, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel.
Novotel Citygate Hong Kong is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Stolley as Resident Manager.
Ms Scott’s most recent position was General Manager of The Waldorf, London, a post she has held for the past five years. Prior to this she worked with Copthorne Hotels in the UK, and was General Manager of both The Copthorne Hotel, Aberdeen and The Copthorne Hotel, Glasgow. She then moved to London, taking on the General Manger role for The Millennium Hotel, Knightsbridge. Ms. Scott graduated from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow with a BA Hons in Hotel & Catering Management. She is a Master Innholder and was appointed Vice Chairman and President of La Reunion des Gastronomes in 2006. She has been a Fellow of the Hotel & Catering International Management Association since 2003 when she was awarded Freedom of the City of London.