CHINESE state-owned hotels need to enhance their performance and market competitiveness, according to Kam Hung and Hanqin Qiu of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, along with co-researchers, in a recently published research article.

Having conducted interviews with both managerial and non-managerial hotel staff, the researchers have identified that little distinction between the ownership and management of the hotels, the lack of a profit motive, the absence of staff incentives, and the inability to match private sector competitors are the causes of inefficiencies.

Due to the lack of a clear distinction between ownership and management of the state-owned hotels, managers are not free to make their own decisions without interventions from the government. Any decisions that are made are usually subjected to lengthy delays while waiting for approval.

There are also accusations from interviewees that priority is given to providing hospitality services to government officials.

Despite these complaints, the interviewees also noted that managers of state-owned hotels are more loyal to their employers compared to those in the private sector, and the style of management is more “humanised”.

Furthermore, high staff turnover rates do not seem to be a problem among employees of state-owned hotels. They seem to enjoy regular staff meetings, social activities, and “abundant training and internal promotion opportunities”.

Nevertheless, researchers note the lack of staff motivation in state-owned hotels. These positions may provide job security but offer no incentives for employees to excel.

The researchers conclude with the suggestion that management be shifted to the regional level to remove competition among local state-owned hotels, to elevate their competitive power in the market, and to take advantage of the ”premium geographical location” of many state-owned hotels.

Credit: Best Western

BEST Western Premier Solo Baru has debuted in Solo, Central Java.

Rising 82m from the streets of the emerging Indonesian destination, the property is now Solo’s tallest hotel.

Facilities provided in the hotel include a spa, infinity pool and fitness centre.

For diners, the Chrystal Sapphire Coffee serves up Indonesian and international dishes all day, while drinks can be enjoyed at the Pool Café and top floor Sky Lounge.

Meetings and events can be held at the Ruby Convention Hall which can handle up to 2,500 people, and eight other function rooms, each of which can accommodate 200 to 300 delegates.

THE Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, today announced the opening of The Grand Mansion in Nanjing, China.

Located near Nanjing’s iconic Presidential Palace, this marks the brand’s seventh hotel in the country, in addition to existing sites in Hangzhou, Dalian, Hengshan, Shanghai, Sanya and Tianjin.

The new property boasts a total of 158 guestrooms, including 15 premium suites and a presidential suite.

For dining options, guests can enjoy a large selection of teas at the Xi Lounge, all-day Nanjing cuisine and international dining at The Atrium, or Chinese delicacies at Xuan Ling Ge.

Facilities include a fitness center, an indoor heated pool, a spa and a library. For event spaces, there are seven meeting rooms as well as a grand ballroom measuring 557m².

Credit: Sentosa Development Corporation

A NEW Sentosa Line, an extension of the existing Mount Faber cable car line, was officially launched on Tuesday. Together, the two lines form the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network.

The new line is one of several infrastructural enhancements that Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has embarked on to improve connectivity and accessibility on the island.

“It (the new cable car ride) offers a serene ride over our beautiful island, while also greatly improving access between Merlion Plaza, Mount Imbiah and Siloso Point,” said Mike Barclay, CEO of SDC.

“We expect it will become the preferred mode of transport for our guests wishing to access the western tip of Siloso Beach, as well as the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Hotel, Underwater World Singapore and Fort Siloso,” he added.

Guests who wish to ride on both lines are able to buy a Cable Car Sky Pass with an option to top up for unlimited rides. Overseas guests will enjoy a bonus as the new Sentosa Line will be included in the new Standard Sky Pass with no increase from the current price of S$29 (US$21.20).

As part of Sentosa’s SG50 celebrations, rides on the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network will be free for Singaporeans and local residents from 9am to 9pm on August 10.

CENTARA Hotels and Resorts has appointed Aviareps as its representative in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The appointment was made as Centara seeks to widen and strengthen its brand engagement and awareness among South-east Asian travellers and travel industry leaders.

Aviareps will be responsible for sales and marketing activities which develop the brand awareness of Centara Hotels and Resorts within the region, as well as driving business to Centara’s properties worldwide.

Chris Bailey, senior vice president – sales and marketing of Centara Hotels and Resorts said: “Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines have long been important markets for the Centara group.”

“Commensurate to this, and demonstrating our commitment to these markets, we are delighted to announce the appointment of dedicated sales directors in each of these countries to closely and passionately communicate the benefits and unique experiences that Centara properties have to offer.”