Hong Kong – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
The Peninsula Hong Kong celebrates its 82nd anniversary with the launch of Our Hong Kong – a book introducing the city through the eyes of the hotel staff to guests from all over the world.
Our Hong Kong features 50 personal narratives that reveal the interest, passion and knowledge of The Peninsula Hong Kong staff. This book, which will be available in all rooms and suites, will take guests on a journey to learn about the lesser known aspects of Hong Kong, such as 500-year-old villages, the little island where prawn paste is still made by hand using centuries-old techniques and rare festivities such as the annual Fire Dragon Dance that pays tribute to the Dragon King in exchange for protection against the Demons of Disease, to name just a few. Enriched by captivating watercolour illustrations by celebrated artist Lorette E Roberts, the book will offer readers the chance to see Hong Kong anew from 50 of their local friends.
The event, held in The Lobby of The Peninsula, was hosted by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited. In his speech, Sir Michael announced, “The Peninsula, a Hong Kong icon, represents much of the spirit of Hong Kong a commitment to excellence, a respect of tradition and an eagerness to embrace the future. I was, therefore, particularly pleased that this new book so clearly conveys our deep roots in this community, our sense of belonging and our great pride in our home.”
He was joined on stage by three representatives from The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited: Mr Clement Kwok, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Galloway, Chief Financial Officer and Mr Peter Borer, Chief Operating Officer, as well as Ms Rainy Chan, Area Vice President – Hong Kong and Thailand, The Peninsula Hotels and General Manager, The Peninsula Hong Kong.
Our Hong Kong was created from the vision of Ms Rainy Chan. She enthuses, “I believe that this book will bring a new dimension to visitors’ experience via personal stories from 50 ‘friends’ based in Hong Kong. They get to share inside information about neighbourhoods where they grew up, their favourite eateries, local spots and their fond memories, thereby offering knowledge that is rarely found in guidebooks on the city.”
All members of hotel staff were invited to become a significant part of the hotel’s history by contributing their ideas on what they considered representative of “their” Hong Kong for this book. The selection committee then chose the most interesting ideas and conducted site surveys of the submissions in order to shortlist the final 50 entries that appear in the book.
The “Grand Old Lady”, as The Peninsula Hong Kong is often fondly described, has been an integral part of the city’s life for almost a century. The hotel opened her doors for the first time in 1928, and has been welcoming visitors and patrons from all over the world ever since. Many guests see the hotel as their home in Hong Kong and their visits are often with family members who span several generations. Over the years, The Peninsula’s guests have developed special relationships with the hotel, with their stays often made exceptional by staff members who share their knowledge of Hong Kong.
As she enters her 83rd year, The Peninsula Hong Kong continues to create special memories for visitors with the Our Hong Kong programme, which will include excursions to unique areas and activities introduced by staff as part of The Peninsula Academy, the hotel’s award-winning Chinese Cultural Experience learning vacation programme, as well as special menus in the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Spring Moon, featuring classic, home-grown dishes that represent the true culinary essence and heritage of Hong Kong.
Photo caption (Left to Right)
Mr Clement Kwok, Chief Executive Officer, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited
Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited
Ms Rainy Chan, Area Vice President – Hong Kong and Thailand, The Peninsula Hotels and General
Manager, The Peninsula Hong Kong
Mr Neil Galloway, Chief Financial Officer, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited
Mr Peter Borer, Chief Operating Officer, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited
www.peninsulahotels.com