THE RITZ-CARLTON saw its eighth Chinese hotel opening last week, with its Hong Kong property, touted as the world’s tallest hotel, making a grand comeback at Kowloon’s iconic International Commerce Centre.
The brand’s previous property in Hong Kong ceased operations in 2008, when the site in Central was redeveloped by its owners.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company president and COO, Herve Humler, said: “Chengdu is on our list and will be the next to open. We are also looking at couple of cities in China that attract luxury consumers.”
When asked about the brand’s Japan properties, Humler said its hotels in Tokyo and Osaka were continuing to operate. “We don’t just look at earnings or loss, but focus on supporting our staff there. Occupancy in Tokyo fell to 10 to 20 per cent, but Osaka remained steady and recorded 75 to 80 per cent occupancy.”
Occupying the 102nd through 118th floors, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong has 312 rooms. General manager Mark DeCocinis said Asian clients accounted for most of the hotel’s business, with China contributing 30 per cent, Greater Asia, 40 per cent, and Europe/North America, 30 per cent.
He added that the hotel had also been attracting wedding bookings. “About 55 weddings are booked for this year and we expect about 100 weddings next year. Social events and fashion launches will also be targeted.”
