Hong Kong hotels unite in Pacific Place CEI alliance

The Pacific Place alliance brings together the Conrad Hong Kong, the JW Marriott Hong Kong and the Island Shangri-La hotels. The three properties are on adjacent sites at the Pacific Place complex in Central, a major retail, entertainment and business centre. The alliance also brings in the Pacific Place Convention Centre as a fourth venue option. Elaine Luey, director of marketing, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong said that together the properties offfered more than 1,600 guestrooms and more than 5,000sqm of function space to work with. "We have the competitive advantage of having already worked together to host major conventions and conferences," she said. Irene Lau, director of sales and marketing, Island Shangri-La said: "Hong Kong is still the hub of Asia as well as the gateway to China. "Hong Kong will benefit from this as China is gaining in popularity in terms of trade and tourism. "Dual destination packages could be promoted to CEI planners, which would benefit both Hong Kong and the end-users." CEI groups to Hong Kong are definitely up since 2004 and projected to be stronger in 2005, particularly from the long-haul market. "With the stronger euro, Hong Kong is perceived to be attractive and also value for money. There will also be an increased number of major trade shows and conventions hosting in Hong Kong," she said. Lucy Lau, director of marketing, Conrad Hong Kong said: "The location of our hotels is paramount to providing our CEI partners with the most convenient access to get around town. "In addition, the Pacific Place complex is a world-class integrated mixed-use complex with more than 120 international retail brands for shopping, entertainment and dining," she said.