Hong Kong's Mandarin Oriental hotel set for US$100 million renovation
The 61-year-old Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central will undergo a US$100 million renovation demonstrating the company's continued faith in Hong Kong as a premier tourism destination, the group's chief executive has said, dismissing suggestions the city suffered from a negative image overseas.
Advertisement
In an exclusive interview with the Post, Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said a number of facilities would be revamped and offerings improved over the next 18 months, despite growing global economic tensions fuelled by the US-China trade war that could affect international travel to Hong Kong.
The company will simultaneously undertake a US$100 million facelift of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok.
Kleitman said Hong Kong remained an attractive gateway for business, cultural interactions and tourism, as reflected by a series of mega-events the city held last month, ranging from the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament and concerts at the new Kai Tak Stadium to art shows such as Art Basel.
An artist's impression of the renovated lobby at the Mandarin Oriental. Photo: Handout
As for the hotel, it remained an integral part of the city's cultural dynamism, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
China signals readiness on rare earth talks, approves more exports
China has approved some qualified rare earth export applications and is ready to deepen dialogue with nations over export controls, the Ministry of Commerce said as the strategic resource continued to take centre stage in Beijing's trade negotiations with the United States. 'We've observed growing global demand for medium and heavy rare earths in civilian sectors such as robotics and new energy vehicles, as these industries continue to expand,' the ministry said in a statement posted on its official website on Saturday. It added that, as 'a responsible major power', China had taken the legitimate civilian needs of other countries into account, approved qualified export applications in line with the law, and would continue strengthening its compliance review process. 'China is willing to enhance communication and dialogue with relevant countries on export controls in order to facilitate compliant trade,' the ministry said. Rare earths – a long-held ace for Beijing in its dealings with Washington – are at the heart of the China-US trade tug of war. Vice-Premier He Lifeng is expected to attend the first meeting of the US-China bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism during his trip to London from Sunday to Friday. China, the world's largest producer of rare earths , accounts for around 70 per cent of global rare earth mining and around 90 per cent of the refining of the minerals. The minerals are essential for making consumer electronics, electric vehicles and hi-tech defence systems.
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
Chinese legends, Disney characters compete in Hong Kong dragon boat race
Competitors marked the final day of Hong Kong's International Dragon Boat Races on Sunday by donning an array of colourful costumes that included beloved characters from animated films and Chinese folklore. Hongkongers, expats and a team of visiting Canadian paddlers were among those taking part in the fancy dress competition held on the event's second day. The contest was organised by the city's Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association. Toronto's Water Vipers dragon boat team was among the nine groups competing for the best fancy dress, with their around 22-strong crew rocking up to the event with geese hats. Water Vipers paddler Christopher Trotman, 36, said his team was spending about a week in Hong Kong amid the competition. 'So far it's been great,' he said. 'Toronto is a very multicultural city, so we have people who are locals from Hong Kong, and that's been great in helping us experience the city.' The Hong Kong Disneyland team rocked outfits inspired by the animated movie Moana. Photo: Eugene Lee The fancy dress contest put an emphasis on style over racing, with those taking to the waters including a team from the MTR Corporation, who dressed up as popular Chinese legends Wukong and Ne Zha.
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Go for a second term? ‘I'm focused on the now': Hong Kong's John Lee
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said he will focus on the now and 'grasp the moment' in preparing Hong Kong for an unpredictable world as he addressed speculation on whether he will be seeking a second term as the city's leader. 'I think for anybody in the government, focus on what you're doing now, as the world can be very unpredictable. Nobody predicted, when I was in my first year, that I would have this tariff war that affects everybody in this world,' Lee said in an interview with the Post to review the past three years of his five-year term as Hong Kong's leader. 'Grasp the moment. Do your best; maximise the value, I think, the chief executive has been creating for society. That is my mission. That is always my goal,' he said, declining to say if he was considering another five-year term. Lee, a career police officer and security official, rose to Hong Kong's top post in July 2022, two years after Beijing imposed the national security law in the city following the months-long anti-government protests in 2019. The next chief executive election is expected to take place in 2027. 22:27 Why Hong Kong will remain a free port regardless of Donald Trump's tariffs Why Hong Kong will remain a free port regardless of Donald Trump's tariffs During the interview with the Post, he highlighted his administration's achievements in restoring stability and security, particularly through the enactment of a domestic national security law, a constitutional requirement enshrined in Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution.
