Howard Johnson to increase China presence to 17 properties in 2004

Howard Johnson is to increase its portfolio to 17 properties in China through 2004 with openings in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Conghua (Guangdong), Hangzhou, Tianjin and Wuhan.

Currently operating 5 hotels and resorts in China, Howard Johnson is set to bring at least one 5-star hotel to each provincial city in the country over the next 3 to 4 years under full management agreement. 

The plan was proudly announced by the president and chief executive officer of Howard Johnson International, Mr. Ken Greene, during his first visit to China in February this year.

"Howard Johnson might have entered China later than most of the international hotel chains, but I firmly believe that the key to success in this industry is not a matter of who enters first, but who gets to deliver the highest quality of product and service, the most innovative technology and customer satisfaction." Greene said.

"I'm delighted to see the accomplishment of our hotels in China and very proud to say that each one of them has successfully positioned itself as the top-end hotel in its market." Greene said.

Beijing, being the first stopover of Greene's visit, boasts the very first Howard Johnson hotel opened in 2001. Since then, the expansion of Howard Johnson network in China has driven to full speed with the openings of 4 other properties in Shanghai, Guiyang and its latest addition, Xi'an.