Word of the Year

As the year draws to an end, I think about one of the most frequently used word this year - ‘unprecedented’. True in so many ways, the impact COVID-19 has had on our business was significant. This is probably the longest I’ve stayed grounded in Hong Kong, allowing me to spend a lot of time with my family. I’ve also become an active user of video conferencing, I’ve deepen my knowledge in cleanliness and witnessed the deepest business cut followed by the strongest rebound in China and so much more.

But the word I’d like to use for this year is #UNITED. It’s been a year that has shaken and challenged us, but it has also united us more than ever before.

In the face of COVID-19, we united with our associates, owners, guests and local communities to quickly adapt to the new normal. While prioritizing the health and safety of associates and guests, our associates have been more united and dedicated than ever to provide support to their communities. Hotels donated essential items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, shower caps, gloves, linens and cleaning supplies to front-line and medical workers, families, and community groups. 4 hotels in Wuhan area accommodated more than 1000 medical staff and media representatives. As a company we were awarded by China Hotel Association with Charity Award, Alliance Award, and Respectable Employer and Innovative Recovery Award – all testimony of our commitment in giving back to our local community.

2020 has shown me that when we stick together, we overcome many obstacles as the Chinese saying goes “united, we shall prevail”. The road to recovery may be long, but we continue to see steady signs of demand returning, with China leading in terms of recovery. Driven by domestic tourism and millennial consumers, demand for travel is strong and the improvement we are seeing exemplifies the resilience of travel.

I am proud of all our associates in Greater China for their solidarity and resilience – this truly gives me a reason to smile. Our team in China launched a campaign to celebrate the smiles and resilience of our associates and guests, in anticipation of a better 2021. Inspired by 3,000+ smiling faces and heartwarming stories of our @Marriott International associates, this campaign pays tribute to the positivity of our associates, guests and communities. 

I would like to end with a heartfelt thank you to all our associates - for your commitment to take care of each other and our guests and for continue smiling.

December is typically a month of celebration, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and happy new year and Merry Christmas. We have all worked very hard this year, and I hope everyone can take some time off to spend with your family and loved ones. Although many countries are still under social distancing measures and lock-down conditions, we should take this as a good bonding time with our family and enjoy the local attractions and cuisines which we normally do not have the time to do so.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We hope that 2021 will be a better year and I am sure if we stay positive and work together as a team, we would be able to overcome all obstacles. Take care and here’s to a great 2021 ahead!

#YourWelcomeAwaits