China’s fascination with Hongkong SAR remained undimmed, with readers of Business Traveller China – Business Traveller Asia-Pacific’s sibling – crowning it their Favourite City in the World and Hongkong International Airport, Best Airport in China in the 2008 Business Traveller China Travel Awards.
The dinner event, held on November 21 at the ballroom of Hyatt on the Bund, attracted an audience of some 380 leading players of China’s travel and hospitality industry as well as those from around the region. Guest of honour was singing legend Frances Yip, who is also honourary patron of the Chi Heng Foundation, which helps children of China’s AIDS victims, and is the beneficiary of the magazine’s Silent Auction.
Launched in 2005, the awards consist of eight airline category awardees and 20 hotel and accommodation awardees, out of which 15 were best in each city within China.
Joining the select club of winners this year were Singapore Airlines, which garnered Best Airline First Class, and Cathay Pacific for Best Airline Economy Class.
The Best New Business Hotel in China produced not just one but two winners: The Westin Beijing Financial Street, winner in 2007, and Hyatt on the Bund.
But there were lots of repeat winners. Among them were Air China for the Best Chinese Airline serving China, Grand Hyatt as Best Hotel Brand in the World, Shangri-La as Best Hotel Brand in China, Ascott International as Best Serviced Residence Brand in China and Mission Hills Resort & Spa as Best Golf Resort in China.
Margie T Logarta
