Sustainable Tourism –
the Power to Change The Banyan Tree model
Michael Kwee, Co-ordinating Director, Banyan Tree Global Foundation Limited, talks to Nadine Bateman about sustainable tourism
Photos courtesy of Banyan Tree
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ourism is one of the world’s largest industries and one that can adversely affect indigenous cultures and habitats. Sustainable tourism is defined as an attempt to make a low impact on the environment and those cultures while creating employment for local communities. The Banyan Tree Group is a company that first recognized this growing area of the industry and its business potential, as well its importance to the planet, around 20 years ago.
Pioneer
Turtle feeding at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Maldives
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The company’s motto is “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” and in its fifth sustainability report published in 2010, it states that as a socially responsible business, Banyan Tree was founded with the core value of driving sustainable development. “With the call to arms of embracing the environment and empowering people, the company seeks to continue being an agent of social and economic development through responsible tourism,” the report states.
Michael Kwee
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Dolphin cruise at Angsana Velavaru, Maldives
A marine biologist at Angsana Velavaru, Maldives
“Banyan Tree’s triple bottom line (economy, society and environment) helps direct the company’s sustainable development by inspiring associates, guests, and partners to take a wider consideration encompassing a long-term view when making business decisions.” Headquartered in Singapore, its primary business is the management, development and ownership of resorts, hotels and spas around the world, centered on the two award-winning brands of Banyan Tree and Angsana Laguna Phuket. Michael Kwee, Co-ordinating Direc-
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tor, Banyan Tree Global Foundation Limited, says his company’s concept of sustainable tourism involves “providing our associates with fair and dignified employment which enhances their long-term ability to contribute to our growth as well as elevate their job prospects with Banyan Tree and beyond.” Moreover, its goal is “enabling long-term societal prosperity for communities in which we operate; exercising caution with respect to the environmental impacts of our operations – and taking an active role in the protection and
remediation of our global ecosystem.” In addition, the company also emphasizes its relationship with suppliers and vendors and it wants to conduct business with them in a dignified, fair and transparent manner, while working in partnership to enhance societal benefits and reduce environmental impacts; and generating sustained, long-term returns” for its shareholders.”
Sole purpose If they sound like highly challenging – even unattainable – goals, The Banyan
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Tree Group insists it is achieving excellence in all these areas. Kwee says that sustainability through corporate social responsibility is the entire purpose of Banyan’s business and without it the company would cease to exist. He claims that if the company doesn’t create value for the communities in which it operates, it would no longer be welcomed by members of those communities, nor would it be able to create memorable experiences for its guests or value for its shareholders. It’s clear Kwee and his associates are passionate about their business ethic
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which incorporates some impressive CSR initiatives. These include one-onone mentorships with young people via the group’s ‘Seedlings’ project. Another initiative is to support local schools and education with materials or site work, to environmentally focused efforts such as beach, road, and community clean up volunteer days and the massive ‘Greening Communities’ initiative to plant 2,000 trees per resort per year. Around 145,111 trees have been planted since 2007, exceeding the target of 36,000.
The Banyan story The Banyan story began in Laguna Phuket, which in the late 1970’s was a disused tin mining site that had been written off by the United Nations Development Program and Tourism Authority of Thailand as a “toxic wasteland” and “unable to support sustained development”. That backdrop was Banyan Tree’s genesis. Today, Laguna Phuket employs 3,500 and has enabled the Bang Tao Bay community to thrive on a tourism-based destination. Another example of a successful
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Aerial view of Laguna Phuket in Thailand
model supporting environmental and community engagement is the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, which was the first resort-based research and education facility in the Maldives when it opened in 2004. Now a number of resorts have similar facilities supporting marine conservation in the Maldives. The project continues apace despite the recent political unrest there, says Kwee: “While our teams continually seek to work closely and with the approval of the relevant ministries, we seek to connect with local communities more deeply than political aspirations and considerations.” To illustrate one of the company’s greatest overall achievements Kwee quotes a study by Manchester University which revealed that for each job created, on average six people are permanently taken out of the poverty trap and 13 people in the community benefit. Extrapolating that to Banyan Tree’s 9,000 associates across the globe in many developing areas, Kwee claims it means the company has “taken more than 54,000 people out of the poverty trap permanently and created benefit for over 117,000 people.”
Green Imperative Fund Guests who would like to do more than simply enjoy the local environmental
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and “cultural beauty” can contribute to the company’s Green Imperative Fund mechanism. Kwee explains: “At Banyan Tree branded properties, every guest is invited to be a supporting partner through a small contribution of US$2 per room night, under an ‘opt-out’ arrangement. At Angsana properties, the amount is US$1 per room per night. Our hotels then match these guest contributions, dollar for dollar, under the GIF mechanism.” “To furthermore link the performance of the resorts with contributions to our Group CSR fund, each property must maintain a contribution level of at least 1 percent of its profit,” Kwee says. “Combined with the mechanisms to match each guest’s US$2/US$1 per room per night, the level of the resort’s contribution will at times exceed the amount of guest contribution for that year, but the amount the hotel contributes will never be lower than the guest contribution,” he adds. He says feedback from guests has been “overwhelmingly positive”, and that Banyan’s approach is to “subtly share our efforts so that guests who are not interested in can enjoy their stay with us; but those who are interested can find out more and engage with us in other ways.”
Unless you look When it comes to marketing the
company as “green”, the Director says subtlety is key and that operationally, he feels the best “green” solution will be one that the guests never recognize unless they look. For example, rather than make guests feel guilty about taking a hot shower, he says, Banyan seeks to heat water in the most efficient means possible and re-use consumed potable water as much as possible (such as filtering before landscape irrigation, etc). The company also seeks to align with leading sustainable tourism benchmarks and best practices such as EarthCheck. The Banyan Tree Group is working on a number of future projects including destinations planned for Tianjin and Shanghai in China and Vietnam. Says Kwee: “Unfortunately, some of the things which excite us the most are the ones which we are working to establish currently, and thus perhaps too early to discuss publicly.” What he can share is that he believes sustainability must be the future of all businesses [and that] tourism “seems to have a unique power and ability to influence towards sustainability.” It is because hotels and resorts can showcase to guests various approaches and solutions which can be implemented when they return home, according to Kwee.
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brands and their facilities and they won’t have to go through a casino to get to them.”
Reaching out
Photos Courtesy: Sheraton
Sheraton Macau to Open as Largest Hotel in Enclave in September
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hen the Sheraton Macau, Cotai Central opens its doors in September, it will be the largest hotel in Macau and also for Starwood, the company that owns the world-famous brand. The luxury property will include almost 4,000 bedrooms and suites, which is at least double the size of other hotels in Starwood’s portfolio of a thousand hotels, according to Macau Sheraton Managing Director, Josef Dolp. In Macau, TheVenetian is currently the biggest hotel with approximately 3,000 rooms.
Size matters There will be several events areas, including seven ballrooms, covering a staggering 214,080 square feet (20,000 square meters), three swimming pools, a state-ofthe-art fitness suite and holistic spa, three restaurants – including one with hotpot on the menu – as well as two cafes and two lounges featuring alfresco dining, plus
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be found in more than one hotel and that can often create logistical issues such as organizing transport. In addition, the director says the Sheraton brand will bring its internationally recognized service and attention to detail to Macau. “We will manage this property, whereas other companies just franchise the name,” he points out. “Our know-how as a lifestyle brand and the way in which we deal with our associates and how we develop our own people is what Macau needs.”
Personal interaction
programs and areas designed specifically for children. The hotel will also include the biggest Sheraton Club offering butler services. Josef Dolp says the aim is to better accommodate large conferences and also to offer an exceptional events venue for the residents of Macau and Hong Kong. “We aim to attract the MICE [industry]. This goes along with the mission of the chairman of Sands Casino who is dedicated to developing business which is not purely related to gaming.” Dolp says The Sheraton and Starwood have “very good relations” and connections within the MICE industry. Both are aware of the need for a hotel in Macau that is big enough to accommodate several thousand people attending the same conference, whereas currently, he Josef Dolp says, accommodation has to
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Dolp says Fortune magazine recently named Starwood the ‘Most Admired Hotel and Resort Company’ and the reason for this is due to the company’s innovative staff training schemes and mentoring programs and the way in which it “invests in the quality of our associates and our guest experience.” He further stresses that although the Sheraton Macau is a big hotel, it will still focus on “personal interaction” with guests. “We look at the touch points that are meaningful to our customers,” he says. “Even before the customer arrives at the hotel the reservation process already offers a good experience for them, we speak person-to-person and offer better communication than many hotels.” “We are looking at personalization on a big scale – that sounds very ambitious, but Sheraton is really the only true hospitality company in Macau because we are not casino-operated. The Sheraton has already proved that it can offer this [hospitality] on a big scale and we will continue to do so in Macau.” The Sheraton Macau construction comprises two towers, there will be one additional tower accommodating other hotels and brands. There will also be 200 duty free shops on site for guests to choose from. Says Dolp: “Not only will guests be able to enjoy our hospitality but they are just a few steps away from other
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It is also within the hotel’s plan that its exceptional facilities and unparalleled spaciousness will be used, not only for conventions to stage theme nights and parties, but for the local community to hold events. “It’s important to us that we embrace the local culture while adding our international flare. We want to be part of the community in Macau and to attract residents for weekend breaks and to enjoy lifestyle events hosted by us,” says Dolp. The Sheraton will also invite Macau and Hong Kong residents to enjoy the 2,500 square meters of spa and fitness areas which will combine feng shui and “Asian elements” of relaxation plus personal health and fitness assessments which can be continued long after leaving the hotel. There will also be expert presentations and lectures on nutrition, yoga and other health topics which the Sheraton will host.
Brand penetration Starwood has been established in China since 1985 so the “brand penetration of Sheraton … is very strong” according to Dolp who adds that Starwood hotels and resorts have “the biggest footprint of all hotels in China and in the Asia-Pacific” and that it’s “one of the biggest for the luxury segment in China and also the fastest growing.” He says the Chinese customer knows the Sheraton name and what it stands for. He predicts there will be 2.3 billion potential customers in the vicinity of Macau once access projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and high-speed trains are completed and points out that’s because Macau is surrounded by China and is only five hours [flight] from India. Regarding construction work on the site that was halted for a while, Dolp says that was down to the investors in the project, Sands Casinos, who he says made the right decision at the beginning of the global economic crisis when the company had a number of projects running at the same time, to focus on opening the Sands in Singapore and later to turn their attention to Macau. Finally, Dolp says that the Sheraton Macau is “a project that is not here for the short-term or mid-term – it is here for the long-term.” He says the company’s license is longer than 20 years and points out that despite economic “ups and downs” if you have a solid business model you will survive the lows.
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growth of 40 percent in Greater China has contributed significantly to Club Med Asia’s overall performance. biz.hk: Who are your target customers and what are their consumption habits and characteristics? Horps: The plan for 2015 is to attract 5 to 10 percent of China’s potential four-and-five-star hotel and premium resort customers. We estimate that’s around 200,000 holidaymakers. The majority will be affluent families with a certain quality of lifestyle. The aim is to attract around 70 percent mainland Chinese and 30 percent international clientele.
Club Med Guilin Photo courtesy: Club Med
China Strategy for French Pioneer Club Med, the 62-year-old French company that pioneered all-inclusive holidays in Europe, sets its sights on China
By Nadine Bateman
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lub Med was established in 1950 and made its name among European tourists for pioneering the ‘all-inclusive’ holiday resorts where guests paid for everything in advance, including unlimited food, drinks and sporting activities. During the 1960s and ‘70s its resorts gained a reputation as destinations for single people looking for romance. The phrase “sun, sea and sex” was said to have been coined to describe a Club Med vacation back then. Club Med’s popularity began to wane in the 1990s and the devastating effect of 9/11 on the travel industry contributed to a dip in the company’s fortunes until it was reinvented offering up-market family holidays. The company now offers vacations in
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80 destinations in some of the most sought-after locations in the world. Club Med’s recent success is due in part to the vision of its chief executive Henri Giscard d’Estaing (son of the former French president) who says the company is showing its best financial performance in more than a decade. Last year Giscard d’Estaing appointed Olivier Horps as CEO of Club Med Greater China with the mission to develop five resorts by 2015 and to make China the second biggest market for Club Med in the world, after France. Club Med opened its first Chinese destination in Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang in November 2010. This will be followed by a major resort in Guilin in Guangxi, in two phases this year, the first of which opens in August.
Here Olivier Horps explains how he is progressing with his mission: biz.hk: What market trends have you identified that have enabled Club Med to position itself in China? Horps: We did a lot of research which all confirmed that Club Med would be the perfect fit for the Chinese and their expectations of a holiday. We quickly identified the need to provide closer, more accessible destinations for Chinese holidaymakers in their own country. This has become a priority area of development of new resorts for Club Med. Customers from China and other key growth markets in Greater China (Taiwan and Hong Kong) will represent more than 20 percent of Club Med’s clientele in 2012. This comprises a total of nearly 265,000 customers. Continuous
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biz.hk: Club Med once had a reputation for offering singles holidays, then it suffered a fall in fortune before being successfully reinvented – how would you describe its appeal now? Horps: The family segment is the number one target and source of clientele for Club Med across the world nowadays. We consider children as guests in their own right who require, as their parents do, the best level of services. That’s why we provide the Mini Club as part of the package. The concept is a ‘club within the club’ dedicated to kids aged 4 to 10 and offering a very wide range of activities supervised by friendly and professional staff who are specialists in childcare. Our restaurant buffets are also adapted to appeal to children. There are also a number of additional services provided for kids at reduced costs – 60 percent of adult prices. biz.hk: Have you been able to transport the entire Club Med concept to China or have you had to adapt any part of it to cater for Chinese tastes and any difference in culture? Horps: We have successfully transported the Club Med Premium all-inclusive concept to China with some local adaptations, but the unique Club Med spirit is international and one word sums up the entire Club Med philosophy: ‘happiness’. When we opened our first resort on the
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mainland, Club Med Yabuli, Heilongjiang of China in November 2010, local adaptations included Chinese cuisine from different provinces, activities such as mahjong and karaoke, Chinese speaking G.Os (Gentle Organizers, as the Club Med staff are called) and the availability of late supper. biz.hk: How has the company’s pioneering all-inclusive concept been received on the mainland? Horps: They really like the all-inclusive formula, friendly atmosphere and choice of activities. We have learnt that, in the past, Chinese people liked to take tours and visit as many places as possible during their holiday. That trend has changed and now they tend to enjoy staying in one place. This means they are perfectly positioned to embrace our all-inclusive concept. From our market research, we found that all-inclusive holidays were the top choice out of 17 other holiday ideas. The concept makes holiday planning easier to manage especially when it comes to budget control. Around 60 percent of participants showed a high level of interest for Club Med’s all-inclusive packages. We already have over 23,000 Chinese guests going to our 11 resorts in Asia Pacific so we know how much the concept appeals. biz.hk: Do you think the Club Med brand is as well recognised in China as it is in the rest of the world? Horps: Club Med is already very strong in China, with an average market share of 15 percent on the Asia-Pacific destinations. The popularity [of these destinations] has been growing since we established an office in Shanghai in 2003. We also know, thanks to various studies, that the brand image is very good and pretty strong among our target although we are aware there is still a major challenge to increase our brand awareness. For us to grow in China we need to be positioned as a leader in the premium holiday segment and to continue to
Olivier Horps
maintain market share. biz.hk: What are your strategies to achieve your goals? Horps: We have defined two major elements to sustain our growth and fulfill our ambitions. They are: (i) New Resorts Development Strategy: We need to open resorts in China and are already moving on pretty fast with various countryside resorts projects (such as Guilin), as well as ski resorts and beach resorts (around Hainan); (ii) Commercial Strategy: To continue to build our brand and build on our unique position in the up-market, all-inclusive holiday segment by developing a strong multi-channel distribution. This includes a reinforcement of partnerships with key travel agents, developing Club Med corners in travel agencies, opening new boutiques and developing our online distribution and geographic expansion in second-tier cities. biz.hk: Can you tell us about your partnership with Fosun? Horps: Fosun Group owns 9.5 percent of shares. Its investment focus has always been industries and assets that are in line with China’s development trend. The collaboration between Club Med and Fosun aims to provide Chinese consumers with high quality vacations and help stakeholders to share China’s growth opportunities. The partnership with Fosun Group will help us attract 200,000 Chinese customers by 2015, up from 23,000 now.
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GUIDE TO
HOTEL BUSINESS STAYS & ASIAN RESORTS 2012 Angsana Laguna Phuket, Thailand Location Located along the pristine white sandy shores of the island’s famed Bang Tao Bay, Angsana Laguna Phuket boasts unparalleled beachfront access to the warm aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea. Accommodation The discerning holiday seekers will be spoilt for choice with the 409 immaculately decorated guest rooms, lofts, suites and private residences. Dining and Facilities • Baan Talay – Choose from largest selection of fresh seafood and traditional
Thai favourites with beachfront dining. • Bodega & Grill – Savour the authentic Italian and Mediterranean fare served in an elegant indoor ambience or al fresco pool dining. • Tree House Kids Club & Café – Delight the kids with a huge, two-storey tree house-inspired Kids Club, with areas and activities for different age groups including a kids’ spa, library, internet and games room, arts and crafts gallery and café. • XANA – Chill out at this fashionable venue offering exciting entertainment., club cuisine and exotic cocktails
Banyan Tree Bangkok, Thailand
Laguna Premier Room
Reservations 10 Moo. 4, Srisoonthorn Road Key Personnel: Aaishah Bohari, Director, Sales & Marketing Rodjalin Pongsvwan, Manager, Reservation Tel: +66 76 324 101 Fax: (852) +66 76 324 108 Email: reservations-lagunaphuket@angsana.com
Location An iconic destination for leisure and business travelers in Bangkok, the hotel boasts unparalleled panoramic cityscapes, elegantly decorated guest rooms, impeccable service and is one of the tallest spa hotels in the bustling city. Located in the heart of Bangkok's central business and embassy district, Banyan Tree Bangkok also affords guests great ease for shopping, entertainment and sightseeing.
www.angsana.com
Accommodation Banyan Tree Bangkok offers 327 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites – Presidential Suite, Spa Suite, One- and Two-Bedroom Suite, Banyan Tree Room, Premier Room and Deluxe Room – each providing utmost comfort and facilities within an elegant city sanctuary. All guest accommodation is fully equipped with data access including, wireless internet and facsimile facility (upon request), hairdryer, bathrobes, mini bar, coffee and tea-making facilities, safe and TV with satellite news and entertainment channels. Banyan Tree Club guests enjoy added privileges such as complimentary neck and shoulder massage and priority use of spa facilities.
Banyan Tree Samui Location Located 19km from Samui International Airport in the south-eastern coast of the island, Banyan Tree Samui is nestled in a series of cascading terraces on a private hill cove within the embrace of a protected white-sand beach on picturesque Lamai Bay. Accommodation Choose an Ocean Pool Villa, a Sanctuary Pool Villa with an Ocean-View two-bedroom, or a Royal Banyan Villa with incomparable views of the bay and inland, you’re assured of a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Banyan Tree Samui.
Reservations
Dining • Saffron – Signature restaurant for contemporary Thai cuisine with hilltop views, three private dining areas and a wine cellar • Sands – Located on the beach, specialising in wood-fired and char-grilled items. Facilities • Banyan Tree Spa – This award-winning spa features 10 treatment rooms and offers an extensive range of Asian-inspired body and beauty treatments. • The Rainforest – Indulge your senses with a range of hydrothermal experiences, designed to complement spa treatments for a truly holistic wellness experience, a signature innovation by Banyan Tree Spa.
Dining
Royal Banyan Pool Villa
•Taihei - Featuring mini stations for sushi, yakitori and teppanyaki. • Apsara - The ultimate riverside dining experience in Banyan Tree style. A luxurious cruise bringing Saffron’s award-winning Thai cuisine all the way to the Chao Phraya waterways. • Lobby Lounge - Serving continental breakfast, high tea, beverages and light snacks with live entertainment.
Facilities •Banyan Tree Club – An executive club offering exclusive priority use of business and spa facilities. •Banyan Tree Spa – A blissful sanctuary providing holistic therapies, massages, body and facial treatments and a sauna. •Banyan Tree Gallery – Lifestyle gallery showcasing indigenous arts and crafts. •Meeting Facilities – One ballroom and 12 meeting rooms, each fitted with audio- visual equipment and featuring flexible seating arrangements, with a maximum capacity of 420 guests. • Swimming pool and Health Club – Located on the 21st floor. • Kid’s Club.
Reservations
99/9 Moo 4 Maret Samui Surat Thani 84310 Thailand Key Personnel: Komson Sevatasai, Director, Sales & Marketing Mayuree Charoenintawong, Coordinator, Sales Tel: +66 77 915 333 Fax: +66 77 915 388 Email: samui@banyantree.com
21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand Key Personnel: Mr. Tareq Bagaeen, Director, Sales & Marketing Tel: +66 2 679 1200 Fax: +66 2 679 1199 Email: bangkok@banyantree.com
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•Vertigo - Breathtaking al fresco roof-top restaurant. •Moon Bar - Open-air roof-top bar with panoramic views. •Bai Yun - An award winning restaurant serving nouvelle Cantonese cuisine. •Saffron - Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant, offering contemporary Thai cuisine in an eclectic dining and lounge atmosphere. •Latitude Lounge and Bar - Lounge above the city skyline. •Romsai - International restaurant offering a full a la carte menu and a delectable buffet spread while overlooking the lush garden, ornamental pond and waterfalls.
Club Room
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GUIDE TO
HOTEL BUSINESS STAYS & ASIAN RESORTS 2012 Banyan Tree Macau, China
City Garden Hotel Located near to the vibrant Causeway Bay shopping area and within 5 minutes’ stroll to the Fortress Hill MTR station, the 613-room City Garden Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to nearby shopping and business hubs such as Taikoo Place and Cityplaza, which is only 10 minutes’ away. Get the best deal and choose the most suitable room package which suits any of your travelling purpose through the hotel website. During your stay, you can get connected with the free broadband internet service in every corner of the hotel. A comprehensive range of facilities is also available including an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym, business centre and meeting spaces. Three unique dining options and a bar have been arranged for you, ranging from the one Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant YUE, the Western and Asian favourites at the casual and chic Garden Café, to the Singaporean and Malaysian restaurant Satay Inn.
Reservations 9 City Garden Road, North Point, Hong Kong (Fortress Hill MTR Station Exit B) Key Personnel: Ms Annie Jea, General Manager Ms Winsome Heung, Director of Sales Tel: (852) 2806 4090 Fax: (852) 2887 1111 Email: reservations@citygarden.com.hk CityGardenHotelHK
www.citygarden.com.hk Location Located on the vibrant Cotai city, 15 minutes from Macau International Airport, Banyan Tree Macau is a sanctuary for the senses for visitors to Asia’s premier entertainment destination.
Conrad Hong Kong
Accommodation Part of Galaxy MacauTM, the latest fully integrated development in the dynamic Cotai city, the exclusive resort comprises 246 suites, including the ultra-exclusive Presidential Suite and 10 expansive villas amidst their own gardens complete with their private swimming pool. Banyan Tree Macau is the first high-rise urban resort in Macau to feature private Relaxation Pools in all its spacious suites, and the only luxury hotel with full-sized resort villas.
Grand Cotai Suite
Dining
Facilities
• Belon – The resort’s signature restaurant offering seafood and grills with an extensive wine selection, three private dining areas, and a cigar divan. • Saffron – Featuring Thai cuisine with an emphasis on authentic Thai flavours with an innovative twist. • Cabana – An exclusive casual dining venue affording direct access to outdoor pool, pool bar and sunbathing deck area.
• Banyan Tree Spa – Spa aficionados can seek quiet rejuvenation at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. Choose from a fine selection of spa therapies and enjoy a spa experience at any of the 21 treatment rooms. • Meeting Facilities – A grand ballroom that hosts 430 people, sets the stage for unforgettable banquets. Two conference rooms measuring 660sqm in total, can be divided into four smaller function venues for more intimate gatherings.
Reservations
Reservations Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, China Key Personnel: Keith Allardice, General Manager Lucinder Ng, Director of Sales & Marketing Tel: (852) 2521 3838 Fax: (852) 2521 3888 Email: hongkonginfo@conradhotels.com
Galaxy MacauTM, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau, China Key Personnel: Joanne Lio, Revenue Manager Kyseniya Wong, Assistant Reservations Manager Tel: +853 8883 8833 Fax: +853 8883 6088 Email: reservations-macau@banyantree.com
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Conrad Hong Kong towers 61 floors above Pacific Place in the heart of the city’s business district, offering direct access to major transportation network and entertainment areas. Its 470 guestrooms and 44 suites command panoramic views stretching from The Peak to the Victoria Harbour and beyond. Five Executive Floors offer exclusive services including private check-in, butler service, complimentary full breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktail. Conrad Hong Kong entertains groups of up to 1,000 in one of the Hong Kong’s largest column-free ballrooms. A dedicated meeting floor with 11 function rooms complements the Grand Ballroom to host gatherings of every size and description. The self-contained hotel is home to 6 award-winning restaurants and bar, heated outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, 24-hour Health Club, sauna and steam room, allowing delegates to unwind after a productive day.
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GUIDE TO
HOTEL BUSINESS STAYS & ASIAN RESORTS 2012 Four Seasons Place Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Renowned for world-class personalised services and outstanding facilities, Four Seasons Place offers the ultimate luxury living experience in the heart of Central of Hong Kong. It is conveniently located in the ifc complex atop AEL/MTR station, within walking distance to famous dining districts Lan Kwai Fong and Soho. The serviced suite hotel consist of 519 suites, ranging from studios, 1/2/3-bedroom suites to penthouses, which interiors feature elegant yet contemporary designs. Guests are pampered by branded provisions, including Bose 5.1 home entertainment system and a fully-equipped kitchenette. Guests can enjoy themselves at the rooftop heated pool & jacuzzi, gym, sauna and sky lounge. Guests could feel instantly at ease upon arrival, as Four Seasons Place provides superb personalized services, such as round-the-clock multilingual concierge, 24-hour in-room dining and housekeeping. Orientation Specialists are on-hand to take care of guests needs and to organize cultural activities for guests to bond with their neighbors.
The Kingdom Club Situated on the 7/F of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, the Kingdom Club is a perfect complement to a vacation in the magic of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Our Kingdom Club Hosts and Hostesses are available to personally assist you in making the most of your time—from planning your Disney Dining experiences, to offering you inside advice on the Park, to arranging a soothing massage at the Victorian Spa. You may also enjoy the exclusive offerings including complimentary buffet breakfast & snack, Disneyland Fast Pass and free Wi-Fi Access at Kingdom Club Lounge. To prepare your princes and princesses for a restful nights’ sleep, join us in the Club Lounge as our Kingdom Club Cast Member reads a classic Disney story to your kids. A Disney Friend in Pajama will say “Good Night” to you after Bedtime Reading
Reservations 8 Finance Street, Central , Hong Kong Key Personnel: Ms. Mable Li Ms. Yvonne Chu Tel: (852) 3196 8228 Fax: (852) 3196 8628 Email: enquiries@fsphk.com www.facebook.com/fsphk
www.fsphk.com
The HarbourView Place @ ICC megalopolis The HarbourView Place echoes its sister project Four Seasons Place, providing a “home away from home” cosmopolitan experience to the most discerning guests. The HarbourView Place offers 266 serviced suites spread over the 50-70th floors of The Cullinan II within ICC megalopolis. Suites range from studios, 1/2/3-bedroom suites to presidential suites, featuring state-of-the-art provisions including KEF 5.1 home theatre system and a fully-equipped kitchenette. Guests can enjoy hotel-standard facilities including rooftop heated pool and jacuzzi, Wet Bar, reading lounge, conference room, 24-hour gym and laundromat. Superb personalized services are also provided, such as 24-hour multilingual concierge and in-room dining. Guest Liaison Specialists are on-hand to provide personalized orientation and organize lifestyle activities such as floral arrangement, wine tasting and countryside walks. It is conveniently linked to Elements mall and Kowloon AEL/MTR Station that offers access to Central in only 3 minutes, airport in 20 minutes and Mainland China in 30 minutes. It also neighbours sky100, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and W Hong Kong offering a one of the kind experience.
Reservations
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong Key Personnel: Mr. Gary Chan Ms. Elaine Lau Tel: (852) 3718 8000 Fax: (852) 3718 8008 Email: enquiries@harbourviewplace.com www.facebook.com/harbourviewplace
Reservations Tel: (852) 1 830 830
www.hongkongdisneyland.com
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GUIDE TO
HOTEL BUSINESS STAYS & ASIAN RESORTS 2012 JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
The Langham, Hong Kong
When looking for an exquisite 5-star hotel in Hong Kong, the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong offers an ideal choice with its strategic location in Pacific Place, unparalleled facilities and award-winning hospitality. The hotel is in close proximity to many world-class attractions and just a 2 minute walk to the MTR. Each of the 602 guestrooms boasts breathtaking views, 42” LCD TV, complimentary internet access, and connectivity to plug and play personal devices. Relax with a dip in the outdoor pool. Stay fit with a great workout at the 24 hour fitness centre. Enjoy delicious food & beverage selections from a choice of eight superb venues. Winner of Meetings & Conventions Magazine’s Gold Key Award for 11 years, the hotel offers 15 function rooms, including the largest hotel ballroom on Hong Kong Island, accommodating up to 1,000 guests for receptions as well as innovative outdoor catering services.
The Langham, Hong Kong is an elegant European-style haven in the heart of vibrant Kowloon. Situated next to the “Rodeo Drive of Hong Kong”, The Langham, Hong Kong is surrounded by luxury designer labels, including the world’s second largest boutique of Louis Vuitton. The hotel features 495 luxurious rooms and suites, each finished with luxurious fabrics, hardwood floors and silk drapes; no detail has been overlooked. Rooms and suites also come equipped with the very latest high tech amenities. Attractions range from the beautifully refurbished The Langham Club down to the award-winning Michelin starred T’ang Court Cantonese restaurant and the most delicious of afternoon teas in Palm Court. Located just a five minutes’ walk from the Star Ferry; The Langham, Hong Kong offers the kind of indulgent cityscape breaks that are never forgotten.
Reservations
Reservations
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong Key Personnel: Mark Conklin, General Manager Julie Yeong, Director of Marketing Tel: (852) 2810 8366 Fax: (852) 2845 0737 Email: jwmarriott.hk@marriotthotels.com
8 Peking Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Key Personnel: Mr. Duncan Palmer, Managing Director Ms. Sonia Lefevre, Hotel Manager Tel: (852) 2378 9988 Fax: (852) 2375 0606 Email: tlhkg.resv@langhamhotels.com
jwmarriotthongkong.com
hongkong.langhamhotels.com
Lanson Place Hotel, Hong Kong Lanson Place Hotel combines elegance, style and convenience in equal measure. The boutique hotel of 194 rooms each with a kitchenette and penthouse suites is tucked discreetly in Hong Kong’s thriving Causeway Bay entertainment and shopping hub. A member of “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”, the Hotel is a haven from the modern metropolis outside with an elegant lounge and cocktail bar, exercise room and full business services. The concierge services are unrivalled.
Reservations 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Key Personnel: Anson Chan, General Manager Celia Mak, Director of Sales & Marketing Tel: (852) 3477 6888 Fax: (852) 3477 6999 Email: enquiry.lphk@lansonplace.com www.facebook.com/lansonplace
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HOTEL BUSINESS STAYS & ASIAN RESORTS 2012 L’hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View
The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers
L’hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View Hong Kong is the first hotel being built by Chinachem Group, opened since December 2005. Hotel is superbly located at the doorstep of the most popular shopping district Causeway Bay in Hong Kong and directly adjacent to Tin Hau MTR Station, accessible by all means of public transport. Hotel offers 275 guest rooms and suites, all decorated and furnished in tasteful fusion of East and West aesthetics. Dining at L’hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View Hong Kong shall always be a pleasant experience. Coffee Shop, Corner 18, provides you a unique and exotically themed restaurant with elegant atmosphere. You will be served with Western and Oriental Cuisines with celebrated around-the-world gastronomic food selection. Our Bar, The Booth, is the coolest place in town to meet and unwind with friends. With its mellow and thoroughly contemporary feel, certainly the place to enjoy the best cocktails, melodies of Jazz, Blues, R&B, Pop.
The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers sits right on the bank of the Victoria Harbour and is the only hotel in Hong Kong to be directly connected to the China-Macau Ferry Terminal. Located on Canton Road in Tsimshatsui, MTR, Airport Express and Star Ferry are just moments away. It takes about 35 minutes to Hong Kong International Airport. The Hotel offers 673 rooms and suites, with 85% of the rooms on Towers Wing being renovated in 2011. The guest rooms command lush Kowloon Park, bustling city or spectacular harbour view. The four versatile gastro-venues include Café on the PARK which serves all-day buffets; Pierside which offers chic cocktails, wines and food with exhilarating harbour views; awardwinning Satay Inn serving authentic Southeast Asian cuisine; and PARK Deli with freshlybaked pastries, cakes and set meals. Other facilities include eight flexible meeting spaces with the option of harbour view, a 24-hour fitness centre, business centre and lounge which provide polished all day club service.
Reservations Reservations
China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Key Personnel: Kevin Chuc, General Manager Bonnie Lau, Executive Assistant Manager – Sales & Marketing Tel: (852) 2736 1188 Fax: (852) 2736 1212 Email: info@royalpacific.com.hk
No. 18 King’s Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Key Personnel: George Kuk, Director / General Manager Joe Choy, Vice President - Head of Sales Tel: (852) 3553 2898 Fax: (852) 3553 2888 Email: info@lhotelcausewaybayhv.com
www.facebook.com/RoyalPacificHotel
www.twitter.com/royalpacifichtl
www.lhotelcausewaybayhv.com
www.royalpacific.com.hk
L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre
The Salisbury – YMCA of Hong Kong
L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre opened since January 2007, a twin tower Five Star Hotel connected by a glass bottom sky bridge, locates at the tranquil waterfront of Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, not only enjoys the amenities of Tsuen Wan Park, Town Hall, but also commands 360° fabulous panoramic view. It is one of the most convenient locations, embodies a comprehensive transport network: direct connection to MTR Tsuen Wan West Station, close proximity to 3 MTR Lines, bus terminus, ferry, etc. L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre offers over 1,600 well appointed and comfortable guest rooms to meet the taste of all travelers. Spacious deluxe sea / city view rooms and suites equipped with king or queen-queen beds at 36m2 each. Numerous versatile function rooms with various sizes, elegant Ballroom & Exhibition Hall are available for business meeting, conference, seminar, cocktail party, private dinner, exhibition & convention, etc. Capacities range from 15 to 1,600 persons depending on function arrangement. Indoor and outdoor Olympic size swimming pools. Club house facilities with full size gymnasium.
The Salisbury, a hotel with 363 rooms at YMCA of Hong Kong is situated at the tip of Kowloon Peninsula with magnificent views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. The Hotel is located in the centre of business, shopping and entertainment district of Tsimshatsui, and is adjacent to Cultural Centre, Space Museum, Museum of Art, Historic Clock Tower and Waterfront Promenade. It is within close proximity (2 minutes' walk) to major transportation, i.e. Mass Transit Railway, East Tsimshatsui Station, Bus Station and Ferry Terminal which accesses you to almost all destinations in Hong Kong.
Reservations
Conference and Catering • Salisbury Dining Room/ Mall Café/Room Service • Banquet Rooms/ Conference and Meeting Rooms
Recreation and Sports • Indoor Temperature Controlled Swimming Pools/Jacuzzi • Fitness and Wellness Centre/Sauna • Indoor Climbing Walls/Sports Hall
Other Facilities • Shop/Hair Salon • Children’s Corner • Tour and Information Counter • Internet Corner
Reservations
No. 8 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong Key Personnel: George Kuk, Director / General Manager Joe Choy, Vice President - Head of Sales Tel: (852) 2280 2898 Fax: (852) 2280 2822 Email: info@lhotelhk.com
41 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, HK, China Reservation Hotline: (852) 2268 7888 Tel: (852) 2268 7000 Fax: (852) 2739 9315 Email: room@ymcahk.org.hk
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Accommodation • 363 rooms and suites with beautiful Harbor View or City View • Broadband Internet and Private Fax Line • Color Television with Satellite and Cable Linkage
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HOTEL BUSINESS STAYS & ASIAN RESORTS 2012 Sands China Ltd. Sands China Ltd. (HKSE: 1928, Sands China or Company) is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS), and a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company owns and operates THE VENETIAN® Macao-ResortHotel, THE PLAZA™ Macao and SANDS® COTAI CENTRAL at the COTAI STRIP® development and SANDS® Macao Hotel on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s integrated resorts contain a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities, a wide range of restaurants, shopping malls, worldclass entertainment at the CotaiArena™ and high-speed CotaiJet™ ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s property development projects on Cotai have the goal of transforming Cotai into Asia’s premier entertainment and business destination. For more information, please visit www.sandschinaltd.com
Reservations Estrada Baia De N. Senhora da Esperanca Tel: +853 2882 8822 Fax: +853 2882 8889 Email: room.reservations@venetian.com.mo
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