Beijing, China (October 28, 2011) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — Shangri-La restructured its signature Golden Circle (GC) loyalty programme a year ago to allow both staying and non-staying guests to earn and redeem Golden Circle Award Points (GC Award Points). Since the relaunch, the awards programme has attracted more than 288,000 new members, bringing the total membership to over 2 million guests who have earned more than 635 million GC Award Points in the year. Golden Circle now includes over 500,000 members from mainland China.

"I believe it is safe to say that the success of the new Golden Circle programme has exceeded our own expectations and we are particularly pleased to see so many of our Chinese guests joining," said Wee Kee Ng, director of corporate loyalty and partner marketing. "The feedback we have been given is that our guests appreciate that we recognise and reward them every time in every Shangri-La hotel, resort, Kerry or Traders hotel no matter whether they are staying in the hotel or not." To mark the anniversary of the enhanced Golden Circle, Shangri-La announced the launch of the new exclusive members' magazine, Inner Circle, on 25 October 2011.

Inner Circle is an interactive multi-language magazine website www.innercircle.shangri-la.com, which provides travel inspiration and insider knowledge on the ultimate Shangri-La destinations through travel features, interviews and news. Linked to a monthly e-newsletter, the site aims to provide a new means of regular communication with members of Shangri-La's Golden Circle. With user commenting areas across the site and live feeds into social media platforms, Inner Circle allows members to share their travel experiences and recommendations.

Divided into six sections, the site provides the latest travel tips to inspire even the most seasoned globetrotters.

News: The news section provides regular communication with Golden Circle members, on topics such as new hotel openings, awards, information on the latest refurbishments, benefits and special announcements from Shangri-La hotels and resorts across the globe.

Destinations: Every month, the destination section provides readers with insights into new travel destinations – from exploring the jungle with orang-utans in Borneo to shopping for modern art in Shanghai.

Inspiration: The inspiration section seeks to provide readers with a new take on a well known destination – focusing every issue on travel-related passions (such as gourmet experiences, adventure pursuits or health and wellness retreats) and seeking insider information from people in the know. Therefore, whether editors are quizzing the chef at Shangri La Hotel, Paris about the ultimate gourmet experience or trekking with mountaineers in Guilin for a genuine adrenalin rush, this section seeks to inspire readers to broaden horizons and explore their interests.

Top 10: The Top 10 section is an area where readers can browse for their next adventure. Leveraging the imagery from all Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders hotels across the globe, every issue this section features a rundown of 10 amazing sites, sounds or experiences, providing a place for readers to "window shop" for their next Shangri-La destination.

Your Circle: Your Circle provides the interactive heart to the Inner Circle website, where Golden Circle members can share their own travel stories.

Members are encouraged to submit their travel articles and photography to this area, and every month, two contributors (one English-language submission and one Chinese-language submission) are published on Inner Circle and win a complimentary two-night stay in an Executive Suite at one of the Shangri-La group's hotels.

Heart Talk: The renowned travel writer Siew Hoon Yeoh is an integral part of Inner Circle with her travel column Heart Talk, where she shares her monthly musings in a one-woman mission to spread her love of travel as she treks across the globe.

Inner Circle is accessible to non-members on a "read only" basis. For commenting and feedback, readers are invited to join Golden Circle, which is free and open to anyone over the age of 18. To join, visit Golden Circle's dedicated website, www.goldencircle.shangri-la.com, where members can also manage their profile, set their preferences, check and redeem points.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages 72 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands, with a room inventory of over 30,000. Over almost four decades, the group has established its brand hallmark of "hospitality from the heart." The group has a substantial development pipeline with projects in Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Judy Wang
  Director of Media Relation, China
  Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
  Tel: (86 10) 6505 3293
  Fax: (86 10) 6505 3274
  E-mail: judy.wang@shangri-la.com
  

Beijing, China (October 21, 2011) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — As a testament to the appeal of China as a premier travel destination, Virtuoso, Imperial Tours, Abercrombie & Kent Asia, and host hotels Raffles Beijing Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong will welcome 128 executives from Virtuoso's top 67 travel agency members from the United States, Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, South America and Australia for the Virtuoso Chairman's Recognition Event. The network represents $9.6 billion in annual travel sales, and the Chairman's Recognition Event honors 2011's top performers within Virtuoso's elite membership of 330-plus travel agencies located in 20 countries. The event will take place October 16-22, 2011.

Virtuoso rewards its top revenue producers, its most engaged members and travel agencies with the most improved sales with a trip befitting of the upscale travel they typically plan. The itinerary provides an exclusive glimpse into China few have had the privilege to see, and allows these professionals to experience the genuine flavor and style of the destination. Virtuoso's Chairman's Recognition Event occurs annually in some of the most exciting, colorful and vibrant locales in the world, most recently Kenya (2010), Scotland (2009), India (2008), Prague (2007) and Peru (2006) – and now China in 2011.

"At Virtuoso, we believe exploring the world and its tremendous diversity creates unequalled opportunities to refocus travelers on what's important – the ability to create shared experiences and memories," commented Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, CEO of Virtuoso. "Our Chairman's Recognition Event serves to inspire our top-performing travel advisors, and ultimately their clientele, by providing a rare look at the very best ways to experience all that a destination has to offer. Their first-hand accounts of these unique locations help sustain the cycle of travel," he added.

The Virtuoso Chairman's Event program will allow guests to participate first-hand in exclusive and enriching experiences that distinguish China by combining the country's historic culture with more modern influences.

Highlights of the Virtuoso itinerary in Beijing and Shanghai include

Beijing
Welcome lunch at, and hosted by, Park Hyatt Beijing
Welcome reception and dinner at Raffles Beijing Hotel, hosted by Fairmont Raffles Hotels
Lunch and expert briefing on Contemporary Art In China at, and hosted by, the Opposite House
Cocktails and a private dinner at the Garden of Harmonious Interest in the Summer Palace, hosted by Aman Resorts
A lunch banquet at the Great Wall, hosted by St. Regis Beijing
Cocktails and dinner at the Water Cube, hosted by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
Exclusive historic, cultural and educational excursions within Beijing, operated by Imperial Tours

Shanghai
Welcome Reception and Dinner at FLAIR in The Ritz Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, hosted by The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company
Private lunch at Swatch Art Peace Hotel
Private dinner and reception at Mme. Eleonora Huang’s stunning 93rd floor Shanghai Loft at the Park Hyatt Shanghai, hosted by Park Hyatt Shanghai
Private reception and lunch at Grand Hyatt Shanghai, hosted by Hyatt Hotels
Gala cocktail reception and dinner at The Peninsula Shanghai overlooking The Bund, honoring the “Roaring Thirties” of Shanghai, hosted by The Peninsula Hotels
Exclusive historic, cultural and educational excursions within Shanghai, operated by Abercrombie & Kent Asia

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso is the industry's leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 330 agencies with more than 7,200 elite travel specialists in 20 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,300 of the world's best travel providers and premier destinations. The network's member agencies generate over 9.6 billion dollars annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network's affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard programs. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

To view Virtuoso's latest video content, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/VirtuosoTraveler.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Misty Ewing
  Virtuoso – Director, Public Relations
  Phone: 212-588-8242 or 206-484-8022 (mobile)
  E-mail: mewing@virtuoso.com
  

Beijing, China (May 30, 2011) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — The Third Global Hotel Industry Cultural Forum and Gold Champion Award Presentation Ceremony took place in Shenzhen on 15 May 2011. At the ceremony, Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing was named the Best Business Hotel in China. This is the second hotel award the hotel has won after being cited "Ten Best Newly Opened Hotels in China" last year since its opening in 2009.

The forum was hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the General Administration of Press and Publications of the People’s Republic of China. Nearly 500 attendees from the China National Tourism Administration, hotel industry associations at national and provincial levels, high-grade hotels, hotel suppliers and the media were present at the forum. The Gold Champion Award is one of the highest awards in the hospitality industry in China. It is authorised by the International Tourism Federation to honour the most outstanding hotel and individual of the year. The award recipient selection process was supervised by GHT365.com, and all the candidates went through online voting, media voting and evaluation by the assessment committee.

"We are very delighted and honoured that Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing has been recognised. This was achieved with the dedication and the hard work of our staff and support from our honourable guests and all friends. We will continue not just to deliver our services and standards but also to exceed the expectations of our guests," said Mr. Phillip Couvaras, the hotel's general manager.

Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing is strategically located in the north-eastern area of Beijing’s central business district, just 20 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport and the new China International Exhibition Centre. Well positioned between the Third Embassy District, Wang Jing Hi Tech Park and Lido Place, the hotel features 419 guestrooms and suites with open views of the adjacent park and city skyline. The hotel’s Grand Ballroom and 15 flexible meeting rooms are all fitted with the latest conferencing systems, making the hotel an ideal choice for meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) participants and delegations. Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing was named one of the “Ten Best Newly Opened Hotels in China” during 2010 Hospitality Industry Summit.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 72 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 30,000. Traders Hotels are designed to satisfy the needs of the fast growing mid-market travel segment by offering a wide range of facilities, and efficient, practical and friendly hospitality, at competitive rates. Traders Hotels are located in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Changzhou, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Male, Manila, Penang, Shenyang, Singapore and Yangon, with scheduled openings in Chennai and Iskandar. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.tradershotels.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Lisa Ciao
  Director of Communications
  Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing
  Tel: (86 10) 5907 8313
  Fax: (86 10) 5907 8038
  E-mail: lisa.ciao@shangri-la.com
  Website: www.tradershotels.com

  For digitised pictures of the group’s hotels, please go to http://www.shangrila.com/imagelibrary.

To commemorate its anniversary and five-star status, Wyndham Xiamen hosted a special birthday party with over 500 guests in attendance, including government officials, key trade partners, media and other special guests.

"It is our great pleasure to celebrate two successful years at Wyndham Xiamen,” said Dominique Galperti, general manager of Wyndham Xiamen. “This accreditation from China Tourist Hotel Star-Rating Committee is the best anniversary gift for us all and serves as encouragement to strive even further for excellence in the service that we provide for our guests."

When Wyndham Xiamen opened in 2009, it became the first hotel in China to fly the Wyndham® flag; currently, the property is one of 13 Wyndham branded properties currently open or under development in China. Wyndham Hotel Group is the largest U.S.-based hotel company in the country with 301 hotels representing over 46,000 rooms under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada®, Howard Johnson®, Days Inn® and Super 8® brands.

The hotel features a 20-meter-high waterfall and seven-meter-tall chandelier in its lobby, as well as 588 guest rooms including 161 guest suites and 130 serviced apartments, all with a refreshing ocean or city skyline view. Wyndham Xiamen’s top five floors are home to the Wyndham Club with over 90 executive rooms. Guests checking into the Wyndham Club rooms receive delicately packaged chocolates and cookies in their room, plus free access to the Wyndham Club Lounge at any time to enjoy the hotel’s signature cocktails.

The 26-floor hotel offers five food-and-beverage outlets, including a Chinese restaurant, specializing in Cantonese cuisine and Xinnan Xuan regional specialties; the Le Rivage Café, offering a fantastic and memorable view of Gulangyu Island; and JuJu An, featuring a wide variety of fresh sushi and sumptuous teppanyaki.

The contemporary building boasts 3,450 square meters of meeting space including a 1,260-square-meter grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Eleven meeting rooms with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment are ideal for meetings and conferences. The hotel staff can accommodate various events, from glamorous dinners and cocktail receptions to corporate events which require bespoke solutions.

Wyndham Xiamen serves as an ideal location for business events as well as leisure activities. Guests can enjoy a relaxing cup of afternoon tea, a couple’s retreat or a special family occasion.

Located in the very heart of Xiamen’s business and shopping district, Wyndham Xiamen is located just 20 minutes from the Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham® hotels are either franchised by the company or managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc., one of its affiliates or through a joint-venture partner. Additional information and reservations for all Wyndham hotels are available by calling (800) WYNDHAM – (800) 996-3426 – or visiting www.wyndham.com.

Wyndham Hotel Group encompasses approximately 7,210 hotels and 612,700 rooms in 67 countries under the hotel brands: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Ramada®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Wingate by Wyndham®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Microtel Inns & Suites®, Hawthorn Suites® by Wyndham, TRYP by Wyndham®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®. In addition, the company has a license agreement to franchise the Planet Hollywood Hotels, Dream® and Night® brands and provide management services internationally.

All hotels are independently owned and operated excluding certain Wyndham and international Ramada hotels which are managed by our affiliate or through a joint venture partner. Wyndham Hotel Group is based in Parsippany, N.J. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Yvonne Zheng
  Director of Communications
  Wyndham Xiamen
  12 Lu Jiang Dao,
  Xiamen,
  Fujian, China 361001
  Tel: (592) 6366666 Ext.6855
  Fax: (592) 6366665
  yvonnezheng@wyndham.com

Beijing, China (April 22, 2011) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — The Westin Beijing Financial Street invites you to discover the "Land of Smile"–Thailand, with us.

Thai cuisine is a perfect combination of East and West. It takes hundreds of years to develop itself as a distinctive fusion with local features. Thai cuisine is quite flexible just like its cultures; it can be different based on the cooking styles of chefs, preference of clients, specific occasions as well as cooking locations.

From May 9 to May 17, you do not need fly all the way to Bangkok to experience the fabulous Thai food, simply come to Sense at The Westin Beijing Financial Street. A trio of exceptional chefs from the award-winning Basil, the celebrated restaurant at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok will present you the most wholesome food to treat you with irresistible lure from amazing Thailand.

Introductions of exceptional chefs from Thailand:

Thanawat Napranboon
A naturally gifted chef, Thanawat Napranboon has enjoyed a rewarding culinary career working at several of Bangkok’s top restaurants. As the Banquet Sous Chef at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit he is part of a dedicated and professional team renowned for creating exquisite cuisine and ensuring a truly memorable dining experience for guests. He is a knowledgeable and versatile chef with a passion for authentic Thai and Western food.

Waricha Triemruktakul
Junior Sous Chef, Waricha Triemruktakul has enjoyed a rewarding culinary career promoting Thai cuisine in countries as diverse as Turkey, Romania, Japan and the United Kingdom. Returning to Thailand in 2004, Waricha was offered a Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit’s culinary team where her extensive knowledge of Thai cuisine and kitchen management skills contribute to the success of Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.

Kiti Prasitsopakul
Chef de Partie, Kiti Prasitsopakul’s career has included positions at prestigious hotels in Bangladesh and Canada. While always remaining true to tradition, his experiences abroad have helped to inspire and inform his approach to Thai food. Kiti believes that the key to creating delicious Thai food is to never compromise on quality and maintain the highest standards in the kitchen.

Treatment – Signature Menu:
Coconut soup with scallop, galangal and lemongrass
Thai style fruit salad with grilled shrimp
Prawn spicy soup in Thai style
Red curry with roasted duck and pineapple
Pumpkin custard

Launching revels with feasting and dancing on May 9
When: May 9 – 17, 2011
Where: Senses
Price: Lunch Buffet – RMB268+15% per person
Dinner Buffet – RMB338+15% per person including one Singha beer

To embark on your journey to Amazing Thailand, please call 6629 7810 / 7811 or visit www.eatdrinkandmore.com/beijingfinancial.

About The Westin Beijing Financial Street
The Westin Beijing Financial Street provides direct access to Beijing’s business, entertainment and shopping district and close proximity to cultural landmarks such as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
The hotel boasts two 26-floor towers: one housing 486 hotel rooms and suites and the other, featuring 205 one, two and three-bedroom residences. For more information, please visit westin.com/beijingfinancial

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
With a portfolio of more than 150 properties around the world, Westin Hotels & Resorts is in the midst of the most robust growth period in the brand’s 77-year history. Westin Hotels is the fastest growing upper-upscale brand in the world with plans to expand to more than 250 hotels in the next five years. Westin Hotels & Resorts is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT).

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Jane Ji
  Director of Marketing Communications
  Klara Duan
  Public Relations Manager
  Tel: (86) 10 6606 8866
  Fax: (86) 10 6606 8899
  Email: jane.ji@westin.com
  klara.duan@westin.com
  

Sheraton Represents 30% of all Starwood Hotels Development Pipeline – more than any other Starwood Brand

White Plains, U.S. (April 11, 2011) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced that its Sheraton brand continues to lead the company’s global growth and strengthen Starwood’s position as one of the largest international hotel operators in China. Twenty-five new Sheraton hotels will open this year, including 16 in cities across China. Sheraton will also lead Starwood’s future global expansion and represents 30% of the company’s total development pipeline.

"Sheraton is the number one contributor to Starwood’s global growth and has given us a significant lead in many fast-developing markets," said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. "In China, which is now Starwood’s second largest market after North America, Sheraton is expanding its presence in the country’s biggest cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in rapidly developing urban centers including Guangzhou, Wanning and Hangzhou. The strength of Sheraton is also driving meaningful growth for sister brand Four Points by Sheraton, which is set to double its footprint in China over the next three years."

Sheraton Continues Aggressive Growth in China
This year, Sheraton will open its fourth hotel in Shanghai, its second in Beijing and its first two hotels in Guangzhou. With the addition of 16 new hotels in 2011, Sheraton will increase its portfolio in China to 53 by year’s end. The iconic hotel brand also accounts for 50% of the Starwood hotels under development in China, moving Starwood closer to its goal of operating 100 hotels in China by the end of 2012.

"Sheraton has leveraged its first-mover advantage in China, where we are now one of the country’s strongest global brands and the engine of Starwood’s growth," said Hoyt Harper, global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. "Our recent brand-wide revitalization and significant investment in new hotel development has also fueled our expansion in many other key markets, including India, Japan and South Korea."

Sheraton will open its first Sheraton in Bangalore in 2011, helping to widen Starwood’s lead as the largest operator of five-star hotels in India. Also this year, Sheraton will open its first hotel in Hiroshima, Japan, its second in Seoul, South Korea and its second in Montreal, Canada. Within more mature markets like North America, the brand expects to continue to fuel its growth through high quality conversion opportunities.

Starwood’s largest brand, Sheraton boasts a current portfolio of more than 400 hotels in 72 countries and 92% awareness among business travelers, higher than all other global hotel brands. Following the completion of its $6 billion brand-wide revitalization, Sheraton is investing another $5 billion to add more than 50 new hotels to its portfolio by the end of 2013.

$6 Billion Revitalization Effort Reaps Rewards
Starwood has spent the last few years renovating and rebuilding one of the hotel industry’s most iconic brands and the multi-billion dollar investment is already paying off with measurable success. Guest satisfaction scores are the highest in the brand’s history and likelihood to return, likelihood to recommend and meeting planner and associate engagement scores are also at all-time highs – signaling that guests are taking notice and rediscovering the new Sheraton.

About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton helps guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 70 countries around the world and recently completed a $6 billion global revitalization and is now in the midst of a $5 billion global expansion over the next three years. Sheraton is owned by and is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Nadeen Ayala
  Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  914-640-8259

Since its inception in 1997, Golden Circle's 1.7 million members have enjoyed special recognition and benefits during their stays at Shangri-La hotels, resorts and Traders hotels. From 25 October 2010, the revamped programme now enables members to also earn and accumulate points that can be redeemed for complimentary room nights, room upgrades, dining, and spa privileges at CHI, The Spa and Airline Miles. GC members can earn one GC Award Point for every USD1 or local currency equivalent spent. Rewards are available for as little as 500 GC Awards Points and members can share rewards with family members. Golden Circle regularly invites top members to join exclusive events each year, for example the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train journey or a Formula 1 Race.

Members earn GC Awards Points by staying at Shangri-La or Traders hotels, dining at participating restaurants or enjoying spa treatments at CHI, The Spa. At the same time, members continue to receive their customary exclusive privileges according to their membership tier.

"From feedback and surveys, we understand that there is a group of our members who appreciate rewards in addition to personalised service and recognition. With the enhanced features we are raising the bar yet again and provide an even higher level of privileges to all Shangri-La guests." said Ng Wee Kee, director of corporate loyalty and partner marketing." What makes this programme different is that we recognise and reward our members every time in every Shangri-La, resort or Traders hotel no matter whether they are staying in the hotel or not."

To signify the change, Golden Circle has adopted a new tier system of GOLD, JADE and DIAMOND levels. Transition to the next level is based on qualifying nights or stays per year. Membership to Golden Circle is free and open to anyone over the age of 18.

To join, visit Golden Circle’s new dedicated website, Goldencircle.shangri-la.com, where members can also manage their profile, set their preferences, check and redeem points, and learn all about the new programme.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's most respected hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages 68 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands, with a room inventory of over 30,000. Over almost four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of 'hospitality from the heart.' The group has a substantial development pipeline with projects in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Judy Wang
  Director of Public Relations, China
  Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
  Tel: (86 10) 8529 8303
  Fax: (86 10) 8529 8992
  E-mail: judy.wang@shangri-la.com
  Website: www.shangri-la.com

The "Ten Best"  hotel award series by the 2010 China Hotel Industry Summit was approved following comprehensive investigation, including expert assessment, Internet voting based on the 8.4 million members' voting and the 30 million daily visitors to HC360.com, third-party customer satisfaction surveys from the managing personnel and experts of different industries such as commercial, trade, manufacturing as well as hotel experience tours, etc.

"We are very delighted and honoured that Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing has been recognised. This is achieved with the dedication and the hard work of our staff and support from our honourable guests and the friends of Beijing. We will continue not just to deliver our services and standards but also exceed the expectations of our guests,"  said Mr. Phillip Couvaras, the hotel's general manager.

Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing is strategically located in the north-eastern area of Beijing's central business district, just 20 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport and the new China International Exhibition Centre. Well positioned between the Third Embassy District, Wang Jing Hi Tech Park and Lido Place, the hotel features 419 guestrooms and suites with open views of the adjacent park and city skyline. Close by is the fashionable 798 art district, Sanlitun Village and the Olympic mega-structures, the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, making the hotel an ideal base for exploring the city. The hotel's Grand Ballroom and 15 flexible meeting rooms are all fitted with the latest conferencing systems, making the hotel an ideal choice for MICE participants and delegations.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 67 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 30,000. Traders Hotels are designed to satisfy the needs of the fast growing mid-market travel segment by offering a wide range of facilities, and efficient, practical and friendly hospitality, at competitive rates. Traders Hotels are located in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Changzhou, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Penang, Shenyang, Singapore and Yangon, with scheduled openings in Iskandar and Macau. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.tradershotels.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Lisa Ciao
  Director of Communications
  Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing
  Tel: (86 10) 5907 8313
  Fax: (86 10) 5907 8038
  E-mail: lisa.ciao@shangri-la.com
  Website: www.tradershotels.com

The "China Hotel Gold Star Award" ranks high on the list of hotel industry awards in China. Accorded by China National Tourism Administration to 100 hotelsl, the selection process involved an in-depth review of the hotels through Internet voting, third-party customer satisfaction surveys, members' voting and expert assessment. Beijing hotels totalled eight out of the 100 hotels selected across China.

"For China World Hotel, Beijing to be selected as one of the China Golden Star Hotels is indeed a tremendous honour. Our team is always grateful for the opportunity to serve our guests and regard this accolade as a compelling reason to strive even harder to please all our guests." said John Rice, area manager and general manager of China World Hotel, Beijing.

China World Hotel, Beijing, soars over the China World Trade Center complex, including the China World Exhibition Center and shopping mall, in the heart of the city's diplomatic and business district. Hailed as one of the first three hotels in mainland China to be awarded with a Platinum Five Star rating by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), China World Hotel, Beijing has been named one of the world's best hotels by both Conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure magazines. China World Hotel, Beijing was also voted "Best Hotel in Beijing" by Euromoney, Frommer's Guide and Finance Asia; "Best Business Hotel in Beijing" by Business Traveller Asia Pacific, TTG Asia, The Asset and Asian Legal Business; ranked one of the "Top Ten Business Hotels in China – Golden Pillow Award" by 21st Century Business Herald; and named one of "The Top 50 Hotels in China" by Forbes and Travel + Leisure China.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 66 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 30,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Sue Meng Chan
  Director of Communications
  China World Hotel, Beijing
  Tel: (86 10) 6505 2266 ext. 6644
  Fax: (86 10) 6505 3165
  E-mail: suemeng.chan@shangri-la.com

Jojo Li Joined in Wyndham Xiamen on 4 August, 2008, she works as a guest service agent in Front Office. In training and working achievement, she showing strong consciousness of service and professional qualities, her sweet smile, professional service for guests left a deep impression.

Jojo says she was very happy and excited. The achievements due to this good work opportunity, as well as hotel excellent management team. The development of hotel staff growing together, we will make hotel more excellent. The award is obtained from the bottom of her passion on the work.

On 25 May, Hangzhou Huanglong Hotel will hold the 7th Golden Pillow Award of China Hotels-Best Smile awards for her! In the future Wyndham Xiamen will work harder every detail to improve the service level, the comprehensive hotel for higher and farther goal to struggle. Continue with the most intimate considerate service and characteristics of our customer feedback!

About Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC and its affiliates, members of the Wyndham Hotel Group family of lodging brands, offer upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham hotels are either franchised or managed by us or managed through a joint venture partner. For additional information or to make a reservation, go to www.wyndham.com.

Wyndham Hotel Group, one of three principal components of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), encompasses approximately 7,000 hotels and 588,500 rooms in 66 countries under the hotel brands: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Wingate by Wyndham, Baymont Inn & Suites, Microtel Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites, Howard Johnson, Travelodge and Knights Inn.

All hotels are independently owned and operated excluding certain Wyndham and international Ramada hotels which are managed by our affiliate or through a joint venture partner. Wyndham Hotel Group is based in Parsippany, N.J. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Yvonne Zheng
  Communication Manager
  Wyndham Xiamen
  Tel: + 592 6366666
  E-mail: yvonnezheng@wyndham.com

Trends.com, the official website of Trends Publication Group, is renowned for its leading role in promoting quality lifestyle. After online voting, editor's pick and comments received from a senior panel of experts, the results were released in March 2010.

"As one of the most comprehensive sports facilities available in Beijing, Kerry Sports has always kept a high standard, from facilities to services. We never compromise our endeavour to deliver 'Sports the Difference' to our members and guests." said Teddy Schrijvers, the manager of Kerry Sports.

Kerry Sports has become known as the mecca of sports and fitness in Beijing. Fully-equipped gymnasium, huge 35-meter indoor swimming pool with a separate children's wading pool; spacious locker and changing rooms, 2 indoor tennis courts, 4 badminton courts, basketball court, and squash court; pool/billiards, snooker, and tables tennis. In addition, there are plenty of activities for everyone, of all ages. Wide variety of daily classes from Step to Latino Dance to Tai Chi, children's fitness, and private coaching and group clinics.

Shangri-La's Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing has received various accolades, including all the categories of "Hurun Presidential Awards" in 2009, Zagat Survey's "Top 10 Most Popular Hotels" in Beijing in 2008 and Travel + Leisure China magazine's "China's Top Hotels 2007" award. It also received the Hewitt Associates' awards as "Best Employer in Asia 2007" and "Best Employer in China 2007".

Located within the central business district and just 30 minutes from the international airport, the hotel provides easy access to the commercial, shopping and historical sightseeing spots of metropolitan Beijing, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Heavenly Temple, the Lama Temple, Ritan Park, the Pearl Market, the Silk Market and the Friendship Store.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 66 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 30,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles and United Kingdom. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com. For digitised pictures of the group's hotels, please go to http://www.shangri-la.com/imagelibrary.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Sue Meng Chan
  Director of Communications
  Shangri-La's Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing
  Tel: (86 10) 6561 8833 ext. 6666
  Fax: (86 10) 8529 6272
  E-mail: suemeng.chan@shangri-la.com

Coming in #6 in the 'Top 25 hotels in China' list, Pan Pacific Xiamen, which opened in August 2009, is setting new standards in the city and raising the bar for service excellence. To be the only hotel in Xiamen and the Fujian Province to win this award marks a great triumph for the hotel's team. In addition, Pan Pacific Seattle was also honoured amongst the 'Top 25 Hotels in the United States', coming in at #13 in the list.

Now in its eighth year, the annual Travelers' Choice Awards are the only hotel awards based on the real and unbiased reviews and opinions from millions of travelers on tripadvisor.com and across the web. Travelers worldwide are recognizing hotels for their outstanding service, value and quality to decide the 'best of the best' in travel.

"We are delighted to receive this customer feedback generated award," said Rudy Rodas, General Manager of Pan Pacific Xiamen. "This recognition has been made possible through the efforts of our associates and we are encouraged to continue to create value for guests through our commitment to personalized service and genuine care. In addition, with the recent opening of Pan Pacific Suzhou in January 2010, we will continue to bring the renowned Pan Pacific experience to more guests in China."

More information please go to:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoiceList-g294211-cTop25.

About tripadvisor.com
TripAdvisor-branded sites alone make up the most popular and largest travel community in the world, with more than 25 million unique monthly visitors, 15 million members, and more than 30 million reviews and opinions.

Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 500,000 hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, Portugal and Brazil, Sweden, The Netherlands ,Canada and China.

Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry, worldwide.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Chris Li/Marketing Communication Manager
  Pan Pacific Xiamen
  T: +86 592 507 8888 ext. 1810
  F: + 86 592 507 8899
  Mail:chris.li@panpacific.com
  

ISO 22000 refers to the internationally recognised standard for food safety management systems and quality food safety principles for organisations operating within the food supply chain. HACCP employs internationally recognised standard principles for food safety risk analysis as well as the identification, evaluation and control of hazards considered significant for food safety. For hotel kitchens, these principles involve an entire range of activities, from food purchasing to storage and food preparation while also requiring extensive staff training and coordination from other hotel departments such as engineering and food and beverage service operations.

"The issue of food safety has been making headlines around the world with increasing frequency. Therefore, it is becoming imperative for organisations such as China World Hotel to prioritise food safety for our hotel guests and employees. With previous HACCP certification, China World Hotel moved one step closer to achieving internationally recognised principles for food safety. Now, with ISO 22000-certification for the entire kitchen team, China World Hotel fully demonstrates its ongoing commitment in giving priority to the safety of hotel guests and employees", said John Rice, general manager of China World Hotel, Beijing.

As part of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group, China World Hotel, Beijing is compliant with the group's food safety management requirements, with its entire kitchen team having successfully completed training and certification through the Shangri-La Food Safety Management System.

The international founding members of the Codex Alimentarius Commission first pioneered the principles and processes for food safety hazard analysis. The commission eventually developed the principles for HACCP, which currently form the foundation of all global food safety standards. Moody International, a leading global supplier of management system certification, technical and inspection services, product certification and technical training, was one of the first organisations to take these principles and develop a formal globally recognised certification standard.

Hailed as one of the first three hotels in mainland China to be awarded with a Platinum Five Star rating by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), China World Hotel, Beijing was also named by both Conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure on its lists as one of the world's best hotels, making it the leading address for discerning travellers visiting China's capital city. The award-winning hotel, with its highly acclaimed restaurants, soars over the China World Trade Centre complex, including the China World Exhibition Centre and shopping mall, in the heart of Beijing's diplomatic and business district.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, signed a corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy into effect in 2007 and launched a two year development strategy to enhance its existing CSR activities. A corporate CSR committee, spearheaded by the group's chief operating officer, guides fulfilment of the group's responsibilities in the five key areas of the environment, employees and the community, health and safety, supply chain management and stakeholder relations. For more information, please access the CSR section on the group's website at www.shangri-la.com.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 65 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• PRESS CONTACT:
  Diane Fermin (Director of Communications)
  China World Hotel, Beijing
  Tel: (86-10) 6505-2266
  Fax: (86-10) 6505-3165
  Email: diane.fermin@shangri-la.com
  Website: www.shangri-la.com

Beijing, China (November 09, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — On the 5 November 2009 the Westin Beijing Financial Street once again hosted its annual 'HATS OFF' culinary event to rave reviews. A spectacular evening that left guests in awe of an amazing culinary experience, the 2009 'HATS OFF' event saw four internationally renowned award-winning chefs exhibit their talents in a one time only exquisite eight course menu at The Westin Beijing Financial Street. "I have been to many food and beverage events this year, but 'hats off' by Westin Financial Street has taken the dining experience to another level" says one food connoisseur.

The Treasury Ballroom became a beautiful backdrop to the four international culinary heavy weights: two star Michelin Chef Alvin Leung one of the most creative chefs in Asia, 2010 Australian Chef of The Year Mark Best, Peter Kuruvita – awarded one hat by the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and The Westin Beijing Financial Street's very own award winning Canadian Chef, Stephane Tremblay.  

Renowned for his unique 'X-treme Chinese' cuisine, Alvin Leung takes traditional Chinese recipes and blends modern ingredients and cooking techniques. His restaurant Bo Innovation in Hong Kong is the only independent restaurant to win two Michelin Stars by the coveted Michelin guide.

Currently the most buzzed about chef and restaurant in Sydney Australia Mark Best most recently won Chef of The Year at the 2010 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards. His restaurant Marque was awarded three hats by the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide in 2009 and 2010, Restaurant of the Year 2009 by Timeout Sydney and most recently ranked number two in the Gourmet Traveller's 2010 Top 100 Restaurant Awards.

Peter Kuruvita gained much of his culinary style and passion during his childhood from watching his grandmother prepare ancient family recipes. His impressive restaurant Flying Fish in Sydney Australia was awarded one hat by the 2010 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards for its culinary creativity and idyllic ambience. Peter has graced prestigious restaurants in London, USA, Fiji, Lord Howe, Hayman Islands, and Bali.

Executive Chef Stephane Tremblay of The Westin Beijing Financial Street gained his extensive culinary experience from prestigious five star hotels in France, Canada, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 122 hotels and resorts in 30 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and was voted the number one upper-upscale hotel brand for three years in Business Travel News' "Annual U.S. Hotel Chain Survey".

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 950 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced aloftSM and ELEMENTSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

• Media Contact:
  Alethea Lam
  Director of Marketing Communications
  Vivian Yu
  Marketing Communications Manager
  Tel: (86) 10 6606 8866
  Fax: (86) 10 6606 7525
  Email: alethea.lam@westin.com
  vivian.yu@westin.com

A total of 27 Shangri-La and Traders hotels will join forces in this fund-raising activity. Previous years' efforts, in 2007 and 2008, resulted in total sales of around 80,000 boxes of charity mooncakes and helped raise more than RMB3 million (USD452,838) for Care for Children.

Four mooncakes in two assorted flavours, in red and white lotus paste, will be packaged in specially designed Shangri-La metal mooncake boxes in striking silver and red, priced at RMB138 each box. From every box of charity mooncakes sold, RMB40 will be donated to Care for Children.

Established in 1998, Care for Children works in partnership with local governments to introduce foster care and other strategic initiatives for orphans and other needy Chinese children. Today, Care for Children is active in over 220 orphanages throughout China and has helped place thousands of Chinese children living in orphanages into Chinese foster homes. Shangri-La became Care for Children's first and only hotel group corporate partner in 2005. For more information on the charity, please visit www.careforchildren.com.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 63 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid market Traders brands, with a room inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Judy Wang
  Director of Media Relations, China
  Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
  Tel: (86 10) 6505 3293
  Fax: (86 10) 6505 3274
  E-mail: judy.wang@shangri-la.com
  Website: www.shangri-la.com
  For digitised pictures of the group's hotels, please go to www.shangri-la.com/imagelibrary.

  Kay Zhang
  Public Relations Manager
  Care For Children
  Tel: (86 10) 8470 2735
  Fax: (86 10) 8470 2235
  E-mail: kay@careforchildren.com.cn
  Website: www.careforchildren.com