The Lookout For The Chongqing MICE Industry
Chongqing Convention and Exhibition Center, which is probably the largest convention center in western China, is now under construction in Yuelai in Yubei District, Chongqing.
This project has a total investment of CNY10 billion, and is expected to contribute CNY2.5 billion of direct income to the local MICE industry after it is put into operation in 2012, and another CNY20 billion to related industries. It is learned that the center will cover 1.3 square kilometers with a gross floor area of 606,800 square meters. Based on the concept of "exhibition center circle", the Chongqing Convention and Exhibition Center will be a complex for exhibitions, conferences, business, entertainment, hotels, office buildings, high-end residences, and landscape. It is a very good factor in making Chongqing the MICE center on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
Exploring New Highlights in Tourism
It is reported that during the period of 11th five-year plan, tourist visits, tourism revenue and the three markets have all doubled compared to 2005, with an average yearly increase of 25.08%. Development over this period has laid a good foundation for Chongqing's tourism industry. More and more enterprises are establishing factories or offices in Chongqing, which will promote the prosperity of Chongqing's business travel market.
In hardware, Chongqing has a sound water, land, and air transportation network. The 2,000-kilometer highway is in a pattern of two ring roads and eight radial roads; the 11 railways under construction and the seven railways in use form a one ring railway and nine radial railways network; the second runway of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and the new terminal building have already been put into operation, and another project on the construction of a 500,000-square meter terminal will due to start in 2011, which will add a total of up to 700,000 square meters to the airport. These infrastructure projects will provide convenience for the development of tourism industry.
In software, the China Western Development program, the "314" overall plan, and the State Council Document No 3, are all very important to Chongqing's tourism development. The construction of a livable, unimpeded, green, peaceful and healthy Chongqing is aimed to improve the ecology and the comprehensive development of the environment. In the future, Chongqing will have the urban agglomeration of main city, center city, and 31 counties, against the city's beautiful natural landscape.
In the new five-year period, Chongqing will invest CNY100 billion to promote the development of the tourism industry, including hotel construction, key scenic spots reconstruction, construction of supporting facilities for resorts, theme parks and featured old towns. The Three Gorges, hot spring, and the "five areas and riverside ecological recreational landscape zone" will be the footholds for Chongqing's tourism culture.
Unlimited Potential for Chongqing MICE Market
HNA Leyou International Travel Service Chongqing regional director and Grand China Yuntong International Travel Service general manager Zheng Lidong told China Hospitality News that the company is a subsidiary of HNA Tourism. Taking the advantage of HNA Group, the agency operates domestic, inbound and outbound tourism as well as MICE business.
According to Zheng, Chongqing's tourism market has experienced three stages of development since the early 1990s. From 1992 to 1996 Chongqing began to open to Taiwan tourists, from 1996 to 2000, the city began to open to Japanese tourists, and starting from 2000, European and American tourists began to come to Chongqing. High-end hotels have been constructed along with the development of tourism market. It is learned that by 2015 Chongqing will have more than 50 four and five-star new hotels. These hotels provide the necessary conditions for Chongqing to develop MICE.
Chongqing is one of the most promising cities in western China, with a strong economic growth. Chongqing has attracted a lot of investment under the Western Development program, and many foreign enterprises are entering the city which has brought many guests to hotels. Chongqing municipal government has increased investment in infrastructure construction to improve soft power and attract more luxury hotels.
Under these circumstances, Chongqing Grand China Yuntong International Travel Service has followed its own path. Zheng said the agency mainly has three advantages in the MICE business. First, it has gathered a group of dedicated professionals. Second, it has its own operating platform developed by the company and TravelSky, providing easy connection with contracting enterprises. Third, by using the aviation resources of HNA Group the company has achieved a mature one-stop ground service including pickup, hotel reservation and customized travel.
Hotels are an important sector for business and MICE guests, according to Zheng. The brand is his first concern and an international five-star hotel will be the first choice for its standard service, Geographic location is the second important factor and usually Zheng would like to choose hotels in the downtown area or near the Binjiang Road. Price is another factor to compare among different hotels. Fourth, new hotels will usually have promotions with new facilities and offer more choices to business and MICE guests.
Hotels are now paying more attention to the expansion of the meetings market as there are more and more meetings held in Chongqing, said Zheng. Among all hotels he has ever cooperated with, JW Marriott Chongqing and InterContinental Chongqing are the best to him, for both are international brands with an ideal location in Yuzhong District.
Chongqing as a MICE destination boasts certain advantages. First, it has very convenient transportation, and the farthest hotel from the airport is only 30 kilometers away. Second, it is cheaper than other big cities in western China. Third, the city has abundant tourism products, and different itineraries can be made depending on the days guests will stay in the city. If there is only one day available, Zheng would recommend Chongqing People's Hall, Hongya Cave, Ciqikou ancient town, and Diaojiaolou. If there are two days, guests can visit the Fairy Hill, Dazu Rock Carvings, or enjoy local food in Hongya Cave, or go shopping in Jiefangbei, Shapingba, Yangjiaping, Guanyinqiao or Nanping Pedestrian Street.
A meeting at a cruise in the Three Gorges will be a good way of meeting clients, Zheng said. Formerly the cruises were only open to foreign guests, but now high-end domestic guests account for a large part of the customers. There are a range of three- to five-star cruises for clients to choose for a meeting venue. Zheng said he and his team had organized China UnionPay's cruise meeting for more than 100 people.
Hotel Market Analysis
Hilton Chongqing
Hilton Chongqing is perfectly located for business and leisure between Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, it is close to the business district, andis only four kilometers away from the city center Jiefangbei. Da Tian Wan Sports Center, Caiyuanba Railway Station, CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Chongqing Municipal People's Government, banks and culture palace are close by. Jean-Philippe Jacopin the general manager told China Hospitality News that the hotel's source market could be divided into 80% from mainland China and the other 20% from overseas.
The recent "China Western Development" program encouraging the growth of the industries in inland western and central regions of China has designated Chongqing as the core city of this vast project. The Liangjiang new area was established in June 2010 and is the third new area of its kind in China, and the only one in inland. There is no doubt that with the fast pace of the development and city expansion, Chongqing will soon catch up with the already developed and international cities in China. More and more international companies have their eyes set on Chongqing; and following this trend as there is a growing interest in setting up company headquarters or subsidiary offices here. Internationalization is growing fast with an even faster developing domestic and international tourism. Jacopin believes more leisure travelers will also choose Chongqing as a basic stay destination for traveling to neighboring areas as its central location allows one to quickly reach the different centers of interest. Also, significant international conferences have already chosen Chongqing to hold their events and soon there will be even more of those events coming there, especially after the expansion and modernization of the international airport. The whole project will improve the facilities for the business travel and MICE markets. It will significantly impact the development of the hospitality industry and in particular the five-star hotel market segment, which is rapidly growing with most of the well-known and well established brands already settling in Chongqing and with more due to arrive.
As part of one of the world's leading and most successful brands in the industry, the Hilton Chongqing pioneered the corporate culture and brand philosophy in Chongqing. It has made a significant contribution to the local industry and aims to continue in provide the best service and competitive products to its business-travel customers and MICE organizers as well as to the group tourism and leisure traveler.
As an international brand, Hilton Chongqing provides a comfortable room experience, professional meeting and banquet services and facilities for guest. The hotel offers a variety of food cuisines to satisfy the tastes of all its customers whether national or international. The hotel has four restaurants, a lounge and a bar where it is possible to find food ranging from local Chongqing specialties to Cantonese cuisine and a large range of international cuisine. The hotel caters for a great number of weddings, conferences and business meetings, and adapts the food to specific requests and taste of its customers as much as possible. In addition to this, they have a "Lady Section" to provide the personalized service only for ladies.
Hilton Chongqing provides a wide range of state-of-the-art conference and audio visual equipment to turn your banquet into a successful business event. Theyhave five multi-function rooms and the biggest Grand Ballroom is 551 square meters. Seven kinds of standard room layouts are designed for customers to satisfy all ranges of needs. The hotel also has significant "Hilton Meetings" product that being provided in nine meeting rooms at business center. In November 2011, the Third Overseas Chinese Business Leaders Round Table Meeting was held in Hilton Chongqing, and so did the "International Women's Group Charity Ball" in December with 300 participants.
Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing
James Zhao the general manager of Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing told China Hospitality News that Chongqing's service industry, and especially the hotel industry, has show the trend of segmentation, regionalization, and internationalization. Specifically speaking, it is being transformed from business hotels to other forms such as serviced apartment and resorts, expanding from Yuzhong to other districts including Nan'an, Jiangbei, Yubei, Beibei, Dazu, Changshou and Jiangjin. Now many international brands including Ascott have entered or planning to enter Chongqing. Personally Zhao is confident about the future of Chongqing's service industry.
Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing is located on Minzu Road, just a short walk to the famous Jiefangbei pedestrian walk, where one can find the city's biggest retail malls and department stores. Surrounded by many business and financial centers, shopping, restaurants and cultural destinations and just minutes to the nearest metro station, guests can indulge in the convenience of location with the security and comfort of a private apartment.
Compared with hotels serviced apartments are more focused on creating the atmosphere of a warm home. Each of the spacious studios, to one- and two-bedroom residences feature separate living and dining areas, an ensuite bathroom, a fully-equipped kitchen, home entertainment system, modern amenities, stylish fittings and scenic views. Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing regularly holds activities to help residents to get to know the city better.
Each apartment has is wireless Internet connectivity, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washing and drying machine in every apartment.
Zhao believes Chongqing's economy will be more prosperous in 2011 and will offer more opportunities; therefore the volume of business travelers will also increase. These business travelers are bringing more specific requirements including serviced apartments.
Location Matters Most
Wang Yan from BOC (China) Holdings Company Chengdu Branch will inspect a location when choosing a suitable hotel. Those in downtown areas will be the first choice. The second consideration will be a hotel's hardware and software facilities such as the level of equipment and service. Third consideration will be reasonable price.
Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing and InterContinental Chongqing are two hotels Wang would recommend to China Hospitality News. They are both in downtown areas, and both have new facilities and attentive service. Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing has river view rooms and has gained praise from guests. In addition Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing is one of the few hotels that have maintained their original prices while many other hotels have raised prices.
As a local, Wang would recommend guests to go to the pedestrian street, a place to enjoy local food such as hotpot.
Location and Experience Are Main Factors
Chongqing CRED Assets Management Company president Chen Yong will look at location and guest experience first when choosing a hotel. Hotels Chen has used include InterContinental Chongqing, JW Marriott Chongqing, Harbour Plaza Chongqing, and Yangtze Island Hotel. InterContinental has a good location, full facilities, and quality service. Somerset Jiefangbei Chongqing makes guests feel at home.
After work Chen recommends visting places like Hongya Cave and Ciqikou that can show the unique Bayu Culture to guests.
Howard Johnson ITC Plaza Chongqing
Louis Liao is the general manager of Howard Johnson ITC Plaza Chongqing. He said that it has been 15 years since first international hotel brand entered Chongqing, and the hotel industry has been developing very rapidly in recent years. The scale and the number of hotels has reached a peak value. This industry's development results in the city's development.
Liao said the hotel's key target segment is the business guest; of these business travelers and MICE guests account for the major part. As Chongqing's tourism industry is developing rapidly, the titles of "City of Hot Spring" and "World Nature & Culture Heritage" has promoted this city's image. Meanwhile, economic development and urban complex construction have also improved Chongqing's reputation. The development of Chongqing encourages many guests to choose this city as a MICE and business activities destination. The hotel has a MICE sales and service team responding to these guests' requirements. It also provides differential solutions based on the different demands of guests, concerting with flexible sale strategy. In addition the hotel has a Myway Club for MICE and meeting guests.
Liao described the hotel's meeting facilities. The pillarless Chongqing Grand Ballroom has a six-meter-high ceiling, and the roof garden is the only outdoor meeting venue in Yuzhong District for BBQs and outdoor cocktail parties. The Ballroom foyer is suitable for a cocktail party, and the function rooms are suitable for meetings of 20 to 70 people. The meeting room on the executive floor is the best place for high profile meetings such as video conferences due to its privacy.
Howard Johnson ITC Plaza Chongqing held the 500-people Johnson & Johnson Annual Conference, including meetings, accommodation, and dining. To ensure the service quality, hotel undertook special training for its employees just before the conference.
The construction of a livable, unimpeded, green, peaceful and healthy Chongqing not only has improved the living and working environment but also promoted Chongqing's reputation, and attracted many corporations to invest in Chongqing. The strategy of building western tourist center, Three Gorges tourism zone, and southeast Chongqing ecotourism zone will certainly bring some benefits to the hotel industry as it is part of tourism industry. Chongqing will be a business travel destination; therefore there will be more hotels, as well as fiercer competition.
Hotel Handles Temporary Task Timely
Borui Business Travel (Beijing) International Travel Service Company general manager Hu Xuesong said the company has held meetings and incentives in Chongqing with sizes ranging from dozens to a thousand people. He will inspect a hotel for three aspects. First, the reputation of a hotel, especially its reputation for service quality and its capability to undertake meetings and activities. Second, the hardware of a hotel, such as supporting facilities and the maintenance. Third, the surroundings of a hotel, such as the financial environment, location and transport.
Howard Johnson ITC Plaza Chongqing has greatly impressed Hu. Communication between the company and the hotel has been very smooth from the start, and hotel staff could always give the company a solution based on actual conditions. It also has good hardware facilities to meet the demand of meeting, accommodation, dining and recreation. And the location is also an advantage.
Hu organized a 120-people training seminar for a famous company in Howard Johnson ITC Plaza Chongqing in February 2011. This hotel has good hardware, comfortable guestrooms, standard meeting rooms and comprehensive meeting equipment. Hotel staff can follow up temporary tasks during the seminar, and their "service with a smile" has also won praises from the participants.
For sightseeing, Hu recommends Dazu Rock Carvings, night views of the rivers, hot springs, and the Three Gorges Museum. For culture, Yuzhong is the place where guests can experience the fascination of the "little Hong Kong". IFor dining, XiaoTianE, Dezhuang, and restaurants on boats are definitely the choices.
Sofitel Forebase Chongqing
Sofitel Forebase Chongqing is located in Jiulongpo District which is the sightseeing, entertainment, business, science and technology district of Chongqing, near the Olympic Center and Chongqing Exhibition Center. Guests of the hotel are mainly from the government; from enterprises; and from the tourism, industrial, medical and commercial industries. Hotel general manager Stephen E. F. J. Antram said that Chongqing is a rapidly developing city, with more and more business travelers and MICE buyers coming to the city each year – with higher requirements for hotel details. Therefore the Chongqing hotel industry still has great potential. More five-star hotels will open at the end of 2011, and the healthy competition between different brands will promote the development of hotel industry.
Why would guests choose Sofitel Forebase Chongqing among so many luxury hotels? Antram listed nine reasons. First, the hotel is the newest and most luxurious one in Chongqing with a French touch. Second, there are Hermes scarves in its interior design both in public areas and rooms. Third, Hermes and L'occitane bathroom supplies offer a distinguished luxury experience to guests. Fourth, the concept Sofitel MyBed specially designed for Sofitel by INVISTA invites the guests to experience a completely new soft and gentle night-time sensation. Fifth, French Chef Christophe with Michelin Star experience presents French cuisine. Sixth, the hotel provides homemade Valarhona Chocolate, French dessert, and yogurt to guests. Seventh, Renowned Cantonese Chef Ken Liang brings guests authentic Cantonese flavors. Eighth, state-of-the-art "Inspired Meetings" brings an inspiring new vision of meetings. Ninth, the hotel has its own cruiser for guests to enjoy the night view or carry out event plans.
When entering the hotel, guests will smell a unique Sofitel fragrance — lavender, and hear the French music echoing in every corner. Hotel staff will greet guests with "Bonjour". For meetings, Sofitel Forebase Chongqing offers 559 square meters of pillarless Crystal Grand Ballroom, 373 square meters of multifunction hall and 12 meeting rooms of various sizes. The newly completed multifunctional meeting room "Bordeaux", occupies 380 square meters and can be divided into three well-equipped meeting rooms
In June 2010, The ECFA was signed in Sofitel Forebase Chongqing, and the chairman of Taiwan's semiofficial Straits Exchange Foundation Chiang Pin-kung and his entourage stayed during the fifth ARATS and SEF discussion.
Being the country's newest municipality, Chongqing has the best investment potential in western China, and is the key area in the western development program. The complete infrastructure, the strong industry, and the comprehensive support capability have attracted many domestic and foreign companies for business. With the aim of building a livable, unimpeded, green, peaceful and healthy Chongqing, the city will have a better ecological environment, more complete supporting facilities, upscale exhibition venues, and convenient transportation. After the Western China International Fair, Chongqing has ushered in an unprecedented opportunity, and has drawn attention of conferences and business travel industry.
Follow-up Service Guarantees A Smooth Meeting
Chongqing Zongshen Import & Export Corp. overseas sales manager Jiang Shu told China Hospitality News that the company would hold distributor assemblies each year for approximately 300 to 400 people. The star-rating, service, environment, and special features are the main factors Jiang will look for, and former cooperation will be another criterion.
InterContinental Chongqing, JW Marriott Chongqing, Howard Johnson ITC Plaza Chongqing, and Sofitel Forebase Chongqing are all in the list of hotels the company has chosen, and the Sofitel has impressed Jiang with its professional management and all-round service.
For first-comers to Chongqing, Jiang would recommend the Tianmen cruise ship, the Yangtze River Cableway, Hongya Cave, and Nanshan Mountain, and of course, the hot pot and other local food.
Zongshen Group held its national distributor assembly in Sofitel Forebase Chongqing in 2010. About 800 distributors from across China gathered in Chongqing to sum up the year 2010 and look into the future. The group has displayed its new products during the assembly. The hotel's meeting service team followed up the event from the beginning to the end and saved a lot of trouble for the organizer, making it a successful and smooth event.
Facilities And Service Are Key For Meetings
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Chongqing Branch Information Liaison Department vice director Li Jin says that the organization usually holds international exhibitions and conferences of 400 to 7,000 people. When choosing a hotel, Li will considers service, meeting space, facilities, and guestrooms.
Li praises Sofitel Forebase Chongqing and JW Marriott Chongqing highly for their facilities and service. The Chongqing-Hong Kong Real Estate Seminar was held in Sofitel Forebase Chongqing in 2009, and about 500 people attended the event. Li appreciated hotel's service very much. Other hotels Li has used include Hilton Chongqing, InterContinental Chongqing, and Harbour Plaza Chongqing.
Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing People's Hall, Hongya Cave, Ciqikou are the places guests should not miss in Chongqing, as well hot pot and other local cuisines, said Li.
Harbour Plaza Chongqing
Peter Wong is the general manager of Harbour Plaza Chongqing. He said that upon becoming a municipality since 1998, Chongqing has already gone through a series of changes that will transform the city to a metropolitan center and gateway to southwestern China. Government also has diversified local economy structures by attracting more foreign investment from various industries like finance, banking, and manufacturing on top of the heavy industrial that Chongqing already has. Changes in economic structure will of course attract more and more enterprises to come to Chongqing, this will of course fasten the development of Chongqing hotel industry to achieve a higher level. As more and more visitors come to Chongqing, not only it will improve local commercial and economic activities but subsequently those interactive activities between visitors and local people will turn Chongqing into a cosmipolitan city much faster than before. Chongqing has lots to offer as a tourist destination both for sightseeing and leisure travel. For the hotel industry it means that the management team should have an international vision — hotel operation and practice should adopt more international standards.
Harbour Plaza Chongqing is located in the Jiefangbei CBD area, which is in the heart of the city. Guests come from various regions of the world, and range from business travelers, through conference and tour groups, to leisure sightseeing travelers. The hotel has completed its interior renovation in 2010 to keep up with the times in both hardware and software. As one of the earliest international brand hotels in Chongqing, the hotel has already established its landmark status in the industry of the city. It has also gained reputation from guests through these years' dedicated humanistic service. Wong guesses that one of the reasons for the hotel's success is that it values and adopts international and local practice and absorbs local culture and respects local customs in hotel operation and management.
Competition in the Chongqing hotel industry is very intense, so a hotel should offer more options and choices for guests. Wong said people are the key element for winning against the competition. Associates or guests, quality service evolves from people. Fortunately the hotel has a capable team.
For business guests, the hotel also needs to provide services like ticket booking, arranging meals , and sightseeing issues, besides meeting arrangements. The hotel's event management team will help guests with their events. If there is any feedback from guests, the team will respond immediately. They provide a complete solution to guests.
The hotel features a pillarless 520-square-meter ballroom, which can accommodate up to 600 people for meetings, with a unique 270 degrees projection wall, providing guests with a better audio and visual experience. There are also six meeting rooms for meetings of various sizes. The unique roof top garden will be a good venue for outdoor western style events. Harbour Plaza Chongqing has held several meetings of about 1,000 participants, including Shenzhen Lantern Science &Technology Company, the Chinese Association of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, and the Insurance Institute of China.
Wong stated that the transformation of economic sectors and the opening policy has attracted more and more foreign companies to set up in Chongqing. The government's support for its electronic information industry and the attention to the pharmaceutical industry will drive the economic development of Chongqing and also attract more business travelers to Chongqing — as well as business meetings.
Hotel With Better Location Is Preferred
The chairman of Chongqing Qianye Investment (Group) Company, Ye Dingkan, told CHN that the company usually holds annual celebrations and a charity foundation in Chongqing with 50 to 1,000 people. The facilities, price, and surroundings are the most important factors for the company to choose a venue.
The company has used World Traders Hotel Chongqing, Howard Johnson ITC Plaza Chongqing, Harbour Plaza Chongqing, and Carlton Hotel Chongqing. And Harbour Plaza Chongqing has impressed Ye a lot. The hotel is located in Jiefangbei CBD area, near to the company, providing five-star service. In January 2011 the company held its 18th anniversary celebration on the ninth floor of Harbour Plaza Chongqing, and more than 300 guests attended the event. The hotel's five-star service, quality dishes, elegant environment, and good sound system have ensured the success of the event, and also won praises from guests.
Hongya Cave, Nanshan Mountain, Ciqikou, as well as hot pot, are the several things guests should not miss in Chongqing, said Ye.
Holiday Inn North Chongqing
Holiday Inn North Chongqing is owned by the well established development company Chang An Real Estate Company Limited and recognized as the first and only international four-star hotel managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group in Chongqing. The hotel provides the finest international four-star accommodation, meeting facilities and services for discerning travelers whether on business or for leisure. It is equipped with well-appointed rooms, suites, Executive Club floors with private lounge, efficient business center, a large selection of bars and restaurants, health club including an indoor swimming pool, spa, massage, aerobic room, elegant banqueting, conference and meeting rooms and most importantly warm, friendly, attentive and well trained staff. Centrally located in New North Zone the new commercial district where multi-national companies are located, the hotel is approximately 15 kilometers from the airport, three kilometers from the Chongqingbei railway station and five kilometers from the CBD of Jiangbei. The convenient geographic conditions attract a large number of business travel customers and meeting groups, which the company business travel customers accounted for 50% of the hotel's total tourists, conference guests accounted for about 10%.
Kening Wang the general manager told China Hospitality News that driven by the rapid GDP growth of Chongqing, the hotel industry will see a huge potential, and the occupancy and room rate are both expected to increase compared with last year. After the rebranding work is finished in 2010, the hotel's hardware and software both have been improved greatly and will bring some new experiences to guests.
With the establishment of the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area and the opening of the bonded port, as a major city of inland China, Chongqing has attracted a large number of IT, automotive and related supporting enterprises in this district, business travel demand will be growing and hotels under international hotel brand management will also become the first choice for business customers.
Hotel Understands Guest's Need
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company's Changan Ford College operation team training specialist Cai Xiaomin told China Hospitality News the organization holds training seminars of different sizes. Convenient transport, good hardware, quality service, and competitive prices will help a hotel to get Cai's attention. Holiday Inn North Chongqing can quickly understand guest's needs and this means a lot to Cai. For example, during a meeting that was held in the hotel, several guests needed to check in at the last moment when all guestrooms were occupied. The hotel has responded to this very quickly and it only took about 20 minutes to solve the problem.
Hongya Cave, Nanbin Road, Nanshan Botanical Garden, and Haochijie Street are places where guests can experience every aspect of Chongqing, said Cai.
Good Breakfast Brings Good Mood To Guests
Peng Qiaoli is the secretary of United Automotive Electronic Systems Company Chongqing Branch. The branch usually holds annual meetings with about 50 participants. Hardware, service, food and beverage, recreational facilities, and surroundings are the main factors that Peng to inspects a hotel for. Of the hotels the branch has used — which include JW Marriott Chongqing, InterContinental Chongqing, Days Hotel & Suites Chongqing, Empark Grand Hotel Chongqing, King World Hotel Chongqing, and Holiday Inn North Chongqing – the Holiday Inn North has impressed her with the smile on hotel staff's face and the rich kinds of breakfast.
Jiefangbei and Chaotianmen are the not-to-miss places that Peng recommends to people new to Chongqing. There are many kinds of local food in Jiefangbei, and Hongya Cave and Ciqikou are the places to experience an ancient Chongqing. Nanshan Mountain is the place to view the city, and the night view of the two rivers should not be missed.
Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing
Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing is located in the core area of Liangjiang New Area, boasting advantages in water, land and air transportation. Surrounded by high-tech enterprises and Fortune 500's factories, it is also near to the bonded port and Chongqing's largest exhibition center West International Convention and Exhibition Center. This ideal location has brought a large number of meeting guests, and also business travelers. Yang Yezhi the general manager figured that there will be more business travelers to the hotel as the No. 3 light rail is completed.
Chongqing is an important industrial base for China, said Yang, and the western development program has greatly facilitated the city's development. Since it became a municipality Chongqing tourism industry has gained rapid growth, and more and more hotels are emerging. In the future Chongqing will be the economic center of middle and upper reaches of Yangtze River, the hotel industry will definitely benefit from this with an increase in number from the current dozens to about 100.
Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing is designed to be an international five-star luxury hotel in terms of accommodation; food and beverage; and conference, recreation, and fitness facilities. The meeting spaces of 2,200 square meters can meet the various demands of guests. The hotel provides Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines, and the 180 degree guestroom windows enable guests to enjoy the city view. It also offers personalized and human quality service for business travelers.
The hotel's hardware and software are suitable for various meetings, says Yang. The 880-square- meter grand ballroom, with an eight meter high ceiling, can accommodate up to 600 people for meetings or 400 for dining; besides there is also VIP reception room and foyer room. The multifunction room offers a full range of meeting equipment for large-scale business meetings, academic exchanges, press conferences, banquets, and cocktail parties. In terms of software, the hotel offers a series of personalized and human services. The professional meeting team can help guests plan various meetings and banquets. For meeting guests from other areas, the hotel provides some other convenient services such as tips for weather, theme coffee break, introduction to tourism attractions near the hotel, and shopping for Chongqing's local products.
From February 22 to 23, 2011, National Tourism Administration held the 2010 edition of hotel star rating system training session in Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing. Four hundred and fifty people including inspectors, hotel management, and teachers from tourism academies attended the training. It was a big challenge to the hotel as all participants were professionals in the hotel industry. To ensure the success of the training, the hotel had made meticulous preparations, holding several meetings to make out a detailed plan. The hardware facilities, the coffee breaks, and the "service with a smile" proved to be excellent and have gained praise from participants.
Chongqing is building the convention and exhibition center of upper and middle reaches of Yangtze River, and being a regional trade and exhibition center will promote the modernization of distribution. In Yang's eyes, Chongqing will be the focus of China and even the world in every aspect with the improvement of Chongqing's domestic and international status, business travel market, and MICE market.
High Quality Meeting Service
Chongqing Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company administrative specialist Liu Hong says the company will hold many meetings each year, from board meetings and training seminars of 50 to 100 people, to supplier assembly, distributor assembly, and new product launches with 350 to 400 people.
One of Liu's tasks is to choose a proper venue for these meetings. Liu said the location is her first consideration, and hotels near the company would be a better choice. Liu will also check the size and capacity of a venue to see if it can meet the needs of the company's meetings. Price is another important factor to Liu.
Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing is the nearest five-star hotel to the company. It has rich experience of holding various meetings. The hotel has brand new facilities and a good environment; the human and personalized service has greatly impressed Liu. In December 2010, Changan Ford has held its annual board meeting in the ballroom on B2 of Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing. All participants were high-level management of the Changan Group. The company paid much attention to this meeting and had adjusted the menu for several times. The hotel sales people were very patient, communicating with the F&B department of the hotel to change the menu again and again. Finally the hotel has presented a perfect meal at half of the original price for each table. The quality service of the hotel is the main reason for the long-term cooperation between the company and Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing. Other hotels the company has chosen include InterContinental Chongqing and JW Marriott Chongqing.
Liu has spoke about Chongqing's tourism resources to China Hospitality News. Nanshan Mountain in spring is a good place to enjoy the beauty of nature, and Jiefangbei is the place for shopping. If there is enough time, guests can go to see the Dazu Rock Carvings. Famous Chongqing food in Nanbin Road will make guests linger on there.
Long-term Cooperation Maintains Good Understanding
Chen Yi is works at China Mobile Group Chongqing Company Limited Logistics Service meeting support. Her department is in charge of all the meetings and receptions of the Chongqing Branch and the group's meetings held in Chongqing. Sizes of the meetings vary from more than 20 people to 300 people.
A hotel's service is most important aspect Chen looks for in a hotel. Next are the size and height of meeting venues, price, and location. The company has used many hotels in the city, including Chongqing Jinke Grand Hotel, Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing, Chongqing Jin Jiang Oriental Hotel, Empark Grand Hotel Chongqing, and King World Hotel Chongqing.
The company has maintained a long-term cooperation with Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing. This hotel has good hardware and good service that can meet the demands of various meetings. In November 2010, the Seventh GoTone Golf Club National Championship was held in Grand Metropark Hotel Chongqing, and 260 people attended this event, including VIP GoTone customers from all over China. The understanding between the company and the hotel facilitated this cooperation. The hotel attached great importance to this event, and the management team has proposed a detailed personalized plan. The whole event was a big success thanks to the attentive service of hotel staff.
Chongqing has its unique red tourism resources, says Chen Yi . Baigongguan, Zhazidong, and Hongyan Village are places to for a red tour. Ciqikou, Hongya Cave are places to feel the attraction of an old Chongqing. Hot pot, Mihuatang, Hechuan peach slices, and Chen's fried dough twist are the delicious things one would not want to miss in Chongqing.
