The 8th China Hotel Investment Conference Concludes on a High Note

The HVS organised 8th China Hotel Investment Conference (CHIC) lived up to its reputation once again as The Most Influential Hotel Investment Conference in China. The event ended on a high note last Friday, 20 April – the merger and acquisition plenary session received three ovations from the floor as the high-profile speakers shared unreservedly about their insights and first-hand experiences in acquiring international and domestic hotel chains. The plenary speakers included Mr Steven Pan, Chairman of Formosa International Hotels Corporation which acquired the Regent Hotels & Resorts chain; Mr David Sun, CEO of the Nasdaq-listed Home Inns – the largest hotel chain in China which acquired the Motel 168 chain; Mr Symon Bridle, COO of New World Hospitality which acquired the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts chain; Mr Gaurav Bhushan, Chief Development & Investment Officer of Accor Asia Pacific; and Mr Jeffrey Perlman, Director of Warburg Pincus which invested in the 7 Days Inn Group.

Mr Robin Bew, Global Chief Economist & Editorial Director of the Economist Intelligence Unit provided a vivid picture of the global economy, its changing dynamics and outlook, and identified major economies that will be the engine of growth in the 21st century.

Themed from China to Global – Harness the New Initiatives and Opportunities, Mr David Ling, Chairman of HVS China & Southeast Asia highlighted hotel investment opportunities in the global markets. The 2008 global financial crisis which led to a correction in real estate prices in the USA and Europe, currency devaluations and the prospect for capital value appreciation in the coming years have provided significant opportunities for well-capitalised investors to move into these markets, a sentiment echoed by Mr Robin Bew.

The global and regional CEOs taking the helm led by Mr Steve Rushmore, Founder and President of HVS Global Hospitality Services debated on how international hotel companies differentiate their products. In addition to the physical product, Mr Frits Van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts emphasised the importance of providing a consistently high standard in service offerings and guest experiences as the company operates in the upscale and luxury segments of the market

The three-day event saw a record turnout of 860 leaders of the hotel and tourism industry from over 20 countries. The conference centre of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai was brimming with delegates networking, sharing ideas with one another and making deals.