WORLDHOTELS, a global brand of independent properties, is planning to add 20 China members over the next two years and focus on increasing its share of MICE business.
Roland Jegge, executive vice president Asia Pacific, named Hangzhou, Chengdu, Dalian, Shenzhen, Kunming and Chongqing as target cities.
“Location, good MICE facilities and a green approach are the key factors we are eyeing. With China MICE groups looking at getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life, we are also keen on mountain resort locations that provide between 200 and 500 rooms,” he added.
As well, Worldhotels launched the Nin Hao Guest Programme in January to help global members qualify and attract the right business from China. Apart from providing Chinese translation for collateral and websites, the Worldhotels Academy also provides courses and training on how to sell to the Chinese and conduct business in China.
Jegge also announced that a former longtime member Hotel Kunlun in Beijing has rejoined Worldhotels’ Deluxe Collection.
Of Worldhotels existing network of 30 hotels in Greater China, the majority are located in Hong Kong, followed by Beijing and Shanghai. The company also has presence in Guangzhou with two hotels and one each in Nanjing, Macau, Shenzhen, Shenyang, Suzhou, Changsha and Wuxi.
Meanwhile, Worldhotels launched World Luxury – a collection of independent hotels certified by LRA by Deloitte – in May. It welcomed its first China member, The White Swan Hotel, in July. The hotel in Guangzhou joins an exclusive club of five others in Phuket, Nha Trang, the Maldives, Gothenburg and Los Angeles.
