Accor CEO exits Huazhu's board of directors
>> Chinese hotelier Huazhu Group announced that Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin has resigned from its board of directors, effective immediately. In February this year, Accor announced that it has completed the disposal of a 1.5% stake in Huazhu Group for €239 million. The French hotel group said the transaction allows Accor to "crystallize further value creation of the initial investment while simplifying its balance sheet". After this transaction at the time, Accor still owned a 3.3% stake in Huazhu.
Jin Jiang partners with Tencent to spur hospitality innovation in China
>> Two of China’s largest hospitality and technology companies will work together to drive innovation in the country’s hotel industry. Jin Jiang, the state-owned tourism and hospitality company headquartered in Shanghai with more than 8,000 properties across the county, and Tencent, the technology conglomerate that owns WeChat and dozens of other internet-related services and products, have kicked off a multi-prong partnership aimed at accelerating the development of new technologies to serve the travel and hospitality industry.
Xi'an tests millions as Covid cases rise
>> The Chinese city of Xi'an began testing millions of residents for the coronavirus on Tuesday after the detection of more than 40 new cases raised concerns of wider transmission ahead of a busy travel season. The world's second-largest economy is now fighting local outbreaks in several cities, including key industrial hubs in the east and south.
China Southern Airlines to operate 24 international routes in January
>> China Southern Airlines said it will operate 24 international services in January 2022, connecting its Guangzhou Hub to international cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and more.
Cathay Pacific to cancel some passenger flights in Jan amid tougher curbs
>> Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways will cancel some passenger flights in January because of operational and travel curbs at a time when the Asian financial centre has tightened quarantine requirements, the airline said on Wednesday.
Universal Parks names Joe Hoskin as Executive VP, GM of Beijing Resort
>> US amusement park operator Universal Parks & Resorts has appointed Joe Hoskin as Executive Vice President and General Manager of its new Beijing theme park. Hoskin will report to Tom Mehrmann, who has been promoted to president and COO of the Pacific Rim and in this capacity will manage Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort.
Aew Capital buys Hong Kong hotel from consortium for $210 million
>> AEW Capital Management has agreed to purchase a Kowloon hotel from Chuang’s Consortium International for HKD 1.65 billion (USD 210 million) as hospitality to rental residential conversions come into vogue amid Hong Kong’s extended travel slump.
Chinese autonomous driving startup raises US$157 million from Hillhouse, Meituan
>> Haomo.AI, a Chinese autonomous driving startup controlled by Great Wall Motor's Chairman Wei Jianjun, has raised nearly RMB 1 billion (USD 157 million) in a funding round as investors increase bets on smart car technologies.
