Rosewood to expand Asia offerings after Beijing success

Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is expanding its influence in the Asian market by opening four more hotels in 2017.

After the Hong Kong brand unveiled Rosewood Beijing as its first mainland property in 2014, the group said it believes its philosophy in hospitality has gained wide acceptance.

"Now is the perfect time for Rosewood Hotels and Resorts to expand its footprint in Asia," said Symon Bridle, the chief operating officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.

"Rosewood Beijing has been our best business card in this part of the world and has been an excellent showcase of Rosewood's philosophy of 'a sense of place'."

Rosewood's first mainland resort is due to open in Haitang Bay in Sanya, Hainan province, this summer.

Another hotel is scheduled to launch at the end of next year in Guangzhou's tallest high-rise building, the Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Center.

Yet the expedition to the Chinese mainland has not been easy. There are still hurdles Rosewood must overcome before its new resort and hotels become a market hit.

"Our challenge is to maintain the very high standard we have set with Rosewood Beijing," Bridle said.

"In large part the biggest challenge to doing so lies in the area of human resources," he noted. "People are and always will be the major way in which we can create unforgettable experiences for our guests."

Facing the challenges head-on, Rosewood has been focusing on selecting, training and developing its teams.

"We work actively with schools and universities to attract new talent to our brand and to the industry," he said. "The millennial mindset is a little different to other generations as they look to future careers.

"It's really important to show the excitement and rewards that working in the hotel industry can bring, as well as, importantly, how we offer an engaged, participative work environment with real growth opportunities for individuals."

Following its success in Beijing, the group also expects to open more resorts in Southeast Asia.

Rosewood Phuket in Thailand and Rosewood Phnom Penh in Cambodia are both due to open this summer. Another property offering luxury tent adventures in Laos is also on the group's agenda for later in 2017.

renxiaojin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/10/2017 page10)