Gearing Up For Expo 2010 In Renaissance Shanghai Putuo Hotel
Sammy Ng, the general manager of Renaissance Shanghai Putuo Hotel, has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has worked for a number of leading international hotel brands including Marriott, Regent, and New World Hotels: both in Hong Kong and in mainland China.
The opening of the Renaissance Shanghai Putuo Hotel opening coincided with the start of the Shanghai World Expo. What is the hotel doing to focus on the Expo?
In terms of hardware we have a brand new hotel with high-tech facilities, an American VOA interior design, and are surrounded by the central business district.
In software terms we offer good service levels and a well-trained Navigator (concierge) to provide accurate information on the Expo other sightseeing opportunities. We have a tailor made Expo card for guests.
We also provide Expo Packages for customers. For example our
World Expo "Buy Two Get Three" Special Weekend Rate Promotion.
What advantages does your hotel's location bring?
It is centrally Located in the Zhenru Economic Zone. There is a direct connection to Metro Line 7 Langao Road station, and Expo 2010 is only a few stations away on Line 7.
We are in close proximity to the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway, which gives easily access to important neighbouring cities like Suzhou, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Shanghai Railway station is only 20 minutes away, and the city center is just 25 minutes away.
What special services does your hotel offer for business guests?
There is wireless Internet access in all guest rooms.
The club lounge, has a balcony where guests can relax while doing some work, there is also a library in the club lounge and guests can enjoy their time there.
The room concepts are great, and there is a semi-open business center in the lobby can give guests a different feeling compared to other hotels.
What are your hotel's hardware and software advantages in terms of MICE?
We have 1029 square meters of flexible meeting space, the foyer is naturally lit, and there is a state-of-the-art light and sound system.
A team of dedicated professionals is behind you every step of the way, to ensure your event will be as flawless as it is successful and as inspiring as it is memorable.
With regard to MICE, how will you lead your team to expand the market?
We will aim for accurate marketing positioning, targeting key source markets, while maintaining and developing the hotel brand image.
We will communicate with various customers to determine their specific needs, offering tailor-made meeting packages and personalized service.
As a senior professional manager in the hospitality industry what is your management philosophy?
First focus on people. The Marriott group's culture is caring, if you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customers, then customers will come back to the hotel.
Then focus on details and maintaining consistency.
Given the extremely competitive hotel market in Shanghai, what plans do you have to look for new profit growth points?
Our main focus is on government business and corporate meeting groups.
