September 20, 2018 TnH Global 0

Radisson Hotel Group accelerates expansion in China

Radisson Hotel Group is accelerating its expansion plans in China, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic travel markets, with key appointments, landmark hotel signings and new openings. Radisson Hotel Group’s growth strategy in China is a key initiative in Destination 2022, the Group’s five-year strategic operating plan. With 35 properties in operation and under development across 21 cities in China, the Group plans to triple its portfolio of hotels by 2022.

To implement this strategy, Radisson Hotel Group has announced three key appointments for the development team in China. Eric Cheng, Senior Director, Development, China, recently joined the company from the UAE’s Emaar Hospitality Group’s and was based in the regional office in Shanghai, where he held the position of Head of Business Development, China.

Knight Kang, Senior Director, Development, China, has been appointed from Accor Hotels, China, where he served as Senior Director, Development, Greater China. Kevin Cai, Director, Development, China, joins Radisson Hotel Group from Centara Hotels & Resorts, where he was previously Director of Business Development, Greater China.

Eric and Knight will report to Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, while Kevin reports to Eric. They will work alongside Chloe Fei, Director, Development, China, to drive the growth of Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio throughout the country.

“As the world’s most populous country and second largest global economy, China holds compelling and unique opportunities for Radisson Hotel Group. We are firmly committed to significantly expanding our portfolio, introducing new brand segments and dramatically increasing the recognition of our brands in China. We look forward to working with our local partners to bring world-class accommodation to guests across this dynamic country, from key first-tier cities to emerging business and resort destinations,” said Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.

Ramzy Fenianos added, “We are putting together a highly-skilled development team in Asia Pacific as we bid to successfully execute our ambitious five-year plan. The addition of Eric, Knight and Kevin to our China team will enhance our ability to secure a variety of key projects, setting a firm foundation for our future growth.”

This year, Radisson Hotel Group has secured a series of milestone signings in China, including Radisson Ningbo Beilun, Radisson Wuhan Optics Valley, Radisson Blu Wuhan ETD Zone, and Radisson Blu Haikou. The company is also preparing to launch later this year, Radisson Ningbo Beilun, Radisson Suzhou and Radisson Blu Zhengzhou Huiji on track to open their doors in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Domestic and inbound tourism in China in 2017 totaled 5.1 billion trips and generated over CNY5.3 trillion (approx. US$795 billion), according to data from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also projects that China will overtake the USA as the world’s largest aviation market by 2022.