VETERAN hotelier and philanthropist Hari Harilela passed away at age 92 on December 29, 2014 at his home in Hong Kong, survived by his wife Padma, children and grandchildren.
Hundreds of mourners, including government officials and diplomats, paid their last respect to Harilela at his Kowloon Tong mansion.
Born in Hyderabad, Harilela moved to Guangzhou with his family in 1930. He first worked as a tailor, then built a business in textiles, before eventually venturing into the property and hotel business.
In a condolence message issued by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Harilela was cited as a well-known and highly respected leader in the hotel industry with a long, distinguished and trusted association with IHG, as well as an esteemed philanthropist who had been an inspiration to all and a generous benefactor to many.
Hong Kong Hotel Association executive director, James Lu, said: “His flagship hotel investment property Holiday Inn Golden Mile became a member of Hong Kong Hotels Association in 1974. He contributed to the hotel industry in Hong Kong for over 40 years, supporting the work of the association and ensuring that his hotels meet high international standards of service and facilities for the good name of Hong Kong.
“Harilela was also our dear friend and his charming personality and love for Hong Kong earned the respect of many. He was always proud to be someone who belonged to Hong Kong.”
Harilela’s generous and devoted support to the community over the years was also noted by Hong Kong’s chief executive CY Leung, who commented: “Harilela was a successful entrepreneur and he devoted much effort to the development of the hotel and real estate sectors in Hong Kong. He was also a renowned philanthropist and made tremendous contributions to the tertiary education sector.”
The 56-year Harilela Group currently owns and operates some 19 properties around the globe. It is now led by Harilela’s son, Aron Harilela.
