Radisson Hotel Group is accelerating its expansion plans in China with key appointments, hotel signings and new openings.
The company’s growth strategy in China is a key initiative in Destination 2022, the group’s five-year strategic operating plan. With 35 properties open and under development across 21 cities in China, the group plans to triple its portfolio of hotels by 2022.
“As the world’s most populous country and second largest global economy, China holds compelling and unique opportunities for Radisson Hotel Group,” said Katerina Giannouka, president, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, in a statement. “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.”
New Appointments
To implement this strategy, Radisson Hotel Group made three key appointments for the development team in China. Eric Cheng, senior director of development, China, recently joined the company from the UAE’s Emaar Hospitality Group and was based in the regional office in Shanghai, where he held the position of head of business development, China.
Knight Kang is now senior director, development, China, moving from AccorHotels, China, where he served as senior director, development, Greater China.
Kevin Cai, named director, development, China, joins Radisson Hotel Group from Centara Hotels & Resorts, where he was director of business development, Greater China.
Cheng and Kang will report to Ramzy Fenianos, CDO, Asia Pacific while Cai reports to Cheng. They will work alongside Chloe Fei, director, development, China, to drive the growth of Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio throughout the country.
“We are putting together a highly skilled development team in Asia-Pacific as we bid to successfully execute our ambitious five-year plan,” said Ramzy Fenianos. “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.”
New Signings, New Openings
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 also is preparing to launch the Radisson Ningbo Beilun, Radisson Suzhou and Radisson Blu Zhengzhou Huiji in fourth quarter.
Domestic and inbound tourism in China in 2017 totaled 5.1 billion trips and generated more than $795 billion, according to data from the China National Tourism Administration. The International Air Transport Association also projects China will overtake the United States as the world’s largest aviation market by 2022.