Shenzhen continues to grow as a meeting point for important international business deals. And with the rise of business comes the inevitable need for high quality lodging.

Originally from Sweden, Tomas Hansson is general manager of the Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel. He has spent eighteen years with Sheraton, based in Sweden, England and China. For China, he has worked in the country for eight years years and his goal now is to build the Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel into a top upscale business and meeting hotel in the heart of the new Futian central business district.

How to you feel the development of the Futian area and all the new hotels opening will effect Lou Huo?
I have naturally followed the Futian development closely since I arrived last March and it is fast and amazing. The development here will definitely affect the hotels in both Lu Huo and Nanshan, with companies not only moving into Shenzhen and Futian but also from Lu Huo to Futian.

What sort of qualities do you look for when hiring staff?
Attitude, attitude and attitude, together with appearance. I believe in hiring for attitude and train for skills.

What are some challenges to operating in Shenzhen?
The big demand for staff with many opportunities, resulting in possible high turnover, hiring, and training, but Sheraton and Starwood have so many quality development and career opportunities compared to other hotel companies and we just have to use the great power of our country. The rapid opening of several international hotels in a short period of time of course also presents a business challenge.

Why should a conference planner choose Shenzhen and the Sheraton Futian Shenzhen for their next event?
Shenzhen is a hot city, not only because of the weather. Its dynamic development and strategic location is attractive and also very convenient for international meetings, both with regards to travelling as well as meeting and exhibition venues. With our location in the very center of all this, Sheraton Shenzhen will naturally be the best choice.

How are you working with local government departments to improve tourism in southern Guangdong?
Honestly speaking, since we are not yet open we have had limited opportunities to do this so far but have already established many valuable contacts, with our commitment to improve tourism, although we are not a tourist hotel.

What sort of corporate social responsibility initiatives does Sheraton Futian Shenzhen plan for anti-corruption, environmental sustainability and consumer protection areas?
All possible measures will be taken to support these important issues. Some are easier, such as environment and consumer protection and for anti-corruption we will naturally do what we can but this is a much bigger issue not necessarily related to or can be influenced by the hotel. However, as an American management company, we are following very strict rules and every key person must undergo training in, and sign, a company "Code of Conduct" which also involves anti-corruption measures in all possible levels relating to our business as a hotel.