 |
 | |||||||||
| |||||||||
|
| |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Expansion plans a jewel in the Crowne ( 21/07/2003 ) | |||||||||
A. Patrick Imbardelli, managing director Asia-Pacific for InterContinental Hotels Group, said the group plans to nearly double its properties in the mainland to 75 from 41 within four years. The group, which owns and operates three hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui - Intercontinental Hotel, Grand Stamford Intercontinental and Holiday Inn Golden Mile - plans to bring the four-star Crowne Plaza brand to Hong Kong. "We believe that our Crowne Plaza brand can add to our Hong Kong portfolio of hotels by offering a unique attraction tailored specifically to the needs of international business travellers," Mr Imbardelli said. Efforts being made by the Hong Kong Government to re-energise events, attractions, corporate meetings, conventions and exhibitions would boost demand for high-quality business accommodation in Hong Kong. "The InterContinental Hotels Group will continue to explore opportunities to establish the Crowne Plaza brand to cater to this demand," Mr Imbardelli added. He said Hong Kong is strategically located and a key financial and commerce hub, with excellent technology infrastructure, an efficient legal and financial system and talented resources. All this makes Hong Kong an ideal place to support regional business operations. "What is admirable about Hong Kong is its constant ability to successfully overcome adversaries and demonstrate its professionalism and transparency, which are qualities greatly valued in the management of business." Mr Imbardelli stressed that InterContinental viewed the recent outbreak of Sars as only a small disruption and not as a long-term hindrance. "The effective management of Sars from both the governments of Hong Kong and the mainland has boosted our confidence in these places. Both have demonstrated their capabilities at remaining resilient and efficient during difficult times," Mr Imbardelli said. He believes that Hong Kong's tourism market will pick up from November and become stronger than the pre-Sars. Related link: | |||||||||
| |||||||||
|
|
