Shanghai was recently the site of “Shanghai Walkerhill Hotel and Resort Day”, hosted by Walkerhill. Over 100 guests from the Chinese tourism and hotel industry attended to participate in networking sessions and learn about the many amenities that Walkerhill has to offer. On top of providing opportunities for partnerships and trade channels in China, this event helped solidify Walkerhill’s position as a well-recognized global brand.

Shanghai Walkerhill Hotel and Resort Day was held at the InterContinental Shanghai Expo Hotel on the 7th of this month, with attendees from the local media in addition to Chinese travel and hotel industry insiders. The event highlighted strengths of Walkerhill and provided a combination of cultural, business and entertainment activities. Attendees included representatives from Shanghai Daily, Travel+Leisure, Ctrip and Shanghai Travel Channel, who all expressed great interest in Korea’s tourism industry and doing business with Walkerhill.

As the host venue for many Korean “Hallyu” celebrity weddings, there was particular interest in partnerships for international event hosting and large-scale MICE opportunities. The constantly changing creative seasonal food and beverage promotions available were also of great interest to guests. Yong-moon Chung, the chief executive of the Korea Tourism Organization, said “the event was alluring since the Chinese were already familiar with Walkerhill’s scenery and various services, thanks to the Korean Wave.”

The ‘Shanghai Walkerhill Hotel and Resort Day’ was a collaboration between Walkerhill and Jisan Group, a Chinese real estate investment company. Jisan Group, a state-owned group approved by the People’s Government of Shanghai, seeks to create sustainable and efficient urban renewal based on their years of hotel operating experience. In August 2016, Walkerhill and Jisan Group signed a comprehensive MOU and have been participating in collaborative sales and marketing training. Tang Xiaoling, the president of Shanghai Jisan Group Hotel Management, said “Walkerhill has an esteemed reputation in the hotel industry and with three years of partnership with the Jisan Group, we strongly believe in Walkerhill’s expertise and brand value.” He continued to say he, “hopes for the event to continually contribute to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.”

Sang-kyu Park, the CEO of SK Networks, said, “The foreigner-focused facilities of Walkerhill’s hotel and casino are the go-to places for Chinese tourists.” Park continued, “One in four Walkerhill customers is Chinese, and after this event I hope that even more Chinese travelers will visit and experience our superior service.” Joong-sup Do, Walkerhill’s Managing Director, said that “by working with Jisan Group we will improve industry standards and grow Walkerhill’s reputation as a global brand, leading to a greater level of service for our customers.”

Walkerhill operates the Grand Walkerhill Seoul Hotel, which offers luxury facilities and superior service, in addition to the Vista Walkerhill Seoul Hotel, which seeks to embody “sustainable luxury.” Additionally, Walkerhill operates the Darakhyu Capsule Hotel for travelers in Incheon International Airport Terminals 1∙2 and Yeosu Expo Lounge. Converting from the global hotel chain brand Sheraton and W Hotel in 2017, Walkerhill has shifted to an independent Korean brand to provide customized services for domestic consumers. With over 50 years of hotel operating experience, Walkerhill continues to build its brand and expand partnerships various travel industry organizations around the globe while creating new and unique international business collaborations.