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October 2005 - All over the world, almost at this time of the year the Terry Fox Run will take place. It was no different in Shanghai. October 23 2005 was selected as the Shanghai 8th Terry Fox Run whereby residents took part in run held at the Century Park, Pudong. Despite the slightly cloudy and cold day, everyone was in great spirit to make it another successful event. People from all walks of life contributed to the event by joining efforts to raise funds for cancer research through donations, setting up water stations, helping in the organizing and running of the event, and simply by being there to show support.

This year approximately a total of RMB500,000 will be donated to the research projects in Shanghai. "We are very pleased to be able to raise this year's amount which once again will go into cancer research projects right here in Shanghai. A big 'Thank You' to everyone present today and those who made the event possible," quipped Mr. Robert B Mackenzie, the Consul-General of Canada in Shanghai who is the event's Co-Chairperson together with Mr. Peter Weber, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai.

This is a special year as the run celebrates its 25th anniversary. In conjunction with this occasion the Shanghai Cancer Society was invited to give a dance presentation as part of the closing ceremony programme. On hand to celebrate as well, were representatives from the cancer research centre. A lucky draw was held and over 45 prizes were given away, including a Grand Prize - a return air ticket to Vancouver and a 3-night accommodation at Fur Seasons Hotel Vancouver.

Member hotels of International Branded Hotels Shanghai (IBHS) showed their support by participating in the run, helping to setup water stations and contributing lucky draw prizes. Spotted at the run were also general managers of some of the hotels who took the opportunity to have a well-spent Sunday with their respective families.

The IBHS also supports other worthy charitable events and organizations as a way of contributing to the Chinese community that they are a part of.

For those who are interested to know more about the Terry Fox Run and it foundation please go to their website at www.terryfoxrun.org

The 2nd International Branded Hotels of Shanghai (IBHS) Soccer Tournament took place between the 16th and 30th September 2005.

Following on from the success of last year's inaugural competition this tournament featured 25 teams from IBHS hotels. There were 2 weeks of matches with qualifying games played on a pool basis with 8 individual groups and the top two teams from each group then progressing to the knock out stages.

The four finalists were the teams from the Four Seasons, Mayfair, Howard Johnson & JC Mandarin.

The 2 final matches took place on Friday September 30th and were really a show case for the tournament with two very closely-fought matches, a lot of very vocal support and both games ＆going down to the wire＊, the results of each being decided through a penalty shoot out.

In the third and fourth match play off, the Howard Johnson defeated the JC Mandarin on penalties, with a score of 2:2 at full time. In the final, the Four Seasons led 2:0 at half time against the Mayfair Hotel, but were caught during the second half with the score at the final whistle being 2:2.

The Four Seasons eventually won the penalty shoot out 3:2.

IBHS Chairman and Vice Chairman 每 William Hall and David Travers together with key sponsor Aaron Randolf of Coca Cola presented the trophies and individual medals to the Mayfair Hotel and overall winners Four Seasons.

The Soccer Tournament has now become an annual event, the dedication and excitement generated by this competition is welcomed and many hotels are already working out new game plays for the new season.

After the very successful charity golf tournament held last year the 2nd IBHS Charity Golf Tournament was held on Friday 23rd September 2005 at the Shanghai Links Golf Club.

There were a total of 20 teams with 80 players, an increase of 6 over last year, competing for the coveted trophies and contributing to the Shanghai Charity Foundation at the same time.

Chairman of the IBHS William Hall said "Shanghai presents us with many business opportunities and we intend to pay this back by raising funds for charity. All of us involved in the charity tournament feel it is very important for every business, big or small, to be a concerned, active and contributing partner with the people and communities in which they are located"

All future IBHS fundraising activities will be added to the Foundation, whose funds will be used to support local organizations, and groups of people in need, in association with the Shanghai Charity Foundation.

This 2nd Charity Golf Day expects to raise approximately RMB100,000

IBHS member Mr. Taniguchi Kazunari, General Manager of the Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai, was presented with the Magnolia Award on the 5th September 2005. This award is a municipal honor given by the Foreign Affairs Office to foreign executives who have made an outstanding contribution to the city's economy, social or cultural advancement.

The photo shows Mr. Taniguchi receiving the award from Mr. Yang Guo Qiang, Director of the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office.


Mr. Taniguchi Kazunari

Shanghai, China, September 8, 2005 求 Just 22 months after opening its doors on October 1, 2003, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square has received the official five-star rating. General Manager, John Northen, together with Director of Marketing, Chris Tsoi personally attended the official award presentation ceremony in Beijing during August this year.

"We are very honoured to receive this award and especially happy to be presented it within two years of opening. This recognition is a great credit to all our 900 staff in the hotel, and is a true reflection of their team work, hard work and dedication to excel in their jobs," comments John Northen, General Manager of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai.

In China's tourism industry, a star rating is used to grade tourist hotels. The ratings are divided into five categories, from one to five, with a Platinum Five Star being the most prestigious. The platinum rating can only be awarded to a hotel that has held a five-star rating for a minimum of two years. Up until now, no hotel in Shanghai has received this special star rating. Hotels can apply for a star rating after having been open for a minimum of one year. After a rating is confirmed, it is effective for five years and the hotel concerned is given an engraved brass plaque featuring the golden star symbol.

The criteria for the different star ratings depend on the architecture, facilities, d谷cor and service, as well as a plethora of policies, procedures and standards in the hotel. Within a month of receiving an application for star rating, the Star Rating Evaluation Authority arranges an anonymous inspection of the hotel by specialists, after which an evaluation report is presented to the Evaluation Authority headquarters in Beijing and the final grade is decided.

In addition to the recently received official 5-star rating, the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai has been recognized with a number of accolades, including the "Best New City Hotel" by TTG Asia, "Best of the Best" by Robb Report and "20 most Romantic Hideaways in the urban oases category" by DestinAsian Magazine. The Tomorrow Square landmark commercial complex also received some well-deserved attention with the Emporis' "2003 Skyscraper Award."

General Manager, John Northen (1st row centre) presents the official five star rating award with his senior executives at JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai.

May 27 2005 每 The International Branded Hotels Shanghai (IBHS) recently made its first charity donation by presenting a RMB100,000 cheque to Shanghai Charity Foundation. During the ceremony held at Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, IBHS President, Mr Hans R Hauri highlighted that the funds will be used to provide nourishing lunches, and to assure education expenses for high school and primary students in a programme managed by Shanghai Sunrise - a charity body.

"The concern of IBHS is the welfare within our immediate living environment and our donation supports programmes that stay within the administrative boundaries of Shanghai," Mr Hauri said in his speech . He also stressed the commitment of IBHS to support such designated programmes in the future. In recognition of the work carried out by Shanghai Charity Foundation, (SCF) Mr Hauri thanked the Foundation for being the link between donor and beneficiary. Not only that, SCF through its good management has proven itself to be a foundation that assures funds are appropriately used for selected cause. IBHS is pleased to have found a partnership with SCF.

Following the cheque presentation, an appreciate plaque was presented to IBHS by Mr Yuan Cai, Vice Chairman of SCF. Mr Yuan in his speech thanked IBHS for its support and assured that the funds will be put into the selected cause as mentioned.

Present at the ceremony were members of IBHS, representatives of Shanghai Charity Foundation, and Sunrise Shanghai, student representatives and the media. IBHS currently has thirty five 4 and 5 star international hotels. A division of Shanghai Hotel Industry Association, IBHS has since its establishment in 1993, contributed and supported tourism activities in Shanghai.

May 2005 每 In conjunction with Children's Day, employees of Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai made a special visit to Hui Xin Welfare Home. Together with their children, they brought a soft toy and stayed to help feed the children in the home. The children in the home have disabilities and were abandoned by their families. It was a morning of much merry-making as the visitors played with the children at the home. "I believe this is a good experience for my daughter to see how lucky she is to be born normal and learn to appreciate everything she has now, " says hotel's Assistant Director of Catering and Group Services -Vicky Gong who went with her 7-year old daughter Anna.

The Hotel's Union Chief 每 Robert Zhao then presented 10 cartons of milk powder to the Home's Principal, Ms Lu Hui Li. In recognition of the Hotel's support, an appreciation plaque was presented to the Hotel. Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai has for the past 2 and a half years supported the Home through various charity campaigns. A highlighted event is the yearly Festive Gift campaign held during the Christmas period, which invites patrons to contribute a gift to a child of the Home. In addition to this, the Hotel makes a monetary contribution.

For more those who are interested to know more about Hui Xin and how they can support the home, please contact Ms Lu Hui Li at mobile : 13311906990. Day volunteers are also welcome to the home of 120 children aged from babies to late teens.

SHANGHAI, CHINA 每 April 25, 2005 每 Awarded "Best Employer in China" and "Best Employer in Asia" in 2001 and 2003, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai was honoured with the "Best Employer in China" award for the third consecutive time. Together with The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong and The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, the hotel also scooped up the "Outstanding Best Employer in Asia" award among eight other companies in Asia.

Organised by Hewitt Associates and 21st Century Business Herald, the study also recognised The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong as "Best Employer in Hong Kong" for the third time and The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur as "Best Employer in Kuala Lumpur" for the second time.

"Our ladies and gentlemen in Asia are instrumental to our company's success and having three of our hotels recognised as the best in Asia demonstrates the long-term engagement they have in their work and the delivery of service excellence to our guests," said Herve Humler, president, international, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

Based on a study that seeks to provide an insight into a company's principles and practices on being an exemplary employer, the "Best Employers in Asia" survey determines how organisations achieve a competitive advantage through their employees, and overcome challenges by selecting and retaining skilled employees. The survey spanned 244 organisations and nearly 70,000 employees in Asia, and comprises an employee opinion survey, a detailed survey of the company's people practices and a CEO questionnaire.

The 578-room Portman Ritz-Carlton is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous Nanjing Road. Situated right in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of the city, services and facilities include six restaurants and lounges serving Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Western favourites. An extensive health club with swimming pool, gym, indoor tennis court, squash and racquetball courts is featured alongside a 24-hour business centre.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. features seven award-winning hotels in Asia strategically located in Osaka, Hong Kong, Shanghai,Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bali. The Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta openson May 1 and features 278 spacious guest rooms and Ritz-Carlton ClubLevel rooms plus 55 suites including three Ritz-Carlton Suites and aPresidential Suite.For more information or reservations, please call a travel professional; toll free from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand by dialling the international access code followed by (800) 241 33333; from Indonesia by dialling 001 803 657 794; or dial (800) 241 3333 for the United States and Canada, or visit The Ritz-Carlton web site at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/

In recognition of the exceptional service offered by its ladies and gentlemen, readers of Travel + Leisure magazine honoured The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai in the "500 Greatest Hotels and Resorts in the World" annual list 每 for the third year in a row.

With the rating based on rooms/facilities, location, restaurants/food and value, the magazine's well-travelled readers were unanimous on the "Ritz-Carlton service and large, comfortable rooms with great access to the best shopping." The hotel's "best rooms" were described as those "overlooking the iconic strip of Nanjing Road."

Continuing with its award-winning streak, the hotel also received recognition for the second time in the CondeNast Traveler magazine 2005 "Gold List." The hotel scored 86.1 based on the number of rooms, service, food, location and design.

"As Shanghai is increasingly recognised as an international city, the challenge for us to raise the bar intensifies everyday," said Vice President and Area General Manager Mark DeCocinis. "I am very proud of these two accolades being bestowed on our ladies and gentlemen; and this will continue to spur us on in delivering an exceptional experience everyday."

In October 2004, The Portman Ritz-Carlton was awarded "Overall Best Business Hotel in Asia" for the third year and "Best Business Hotel in China" for the fifth time by Bloomberg TV and Business Asia magazine.Additional awards include the "#1 Best Employer in Asia" and "The Best Employer in China" Awards by Hewitt Associates, Asian Wall Street Journal and Far Eastern Economic Review in 2003 and 2001.

The 578-room hotel is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous Nanjing Road.Situated right in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of the city, services and facilities include six restaurants and lounges serving Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Western favourites.An extensive health club with swimming pool, gym, indoor tennis court, squash and racquetball courts is featured alongside a 24-hour business centre.

The China International Travel Mart (CITM) is one of the largest professional travel shows
in Asia and the IBHS member hotels were there in force either at the IBHS stand or at their
relevant hotel stands. Key facts and figures concerning CITM are listed below, the exhibition
continues to grow year on year and it brought a real travel buzz to the city from the
25 to 28 November 2004

China International Travel Mart - CITM 2004 - 1848 booths, occupying an area of 46,000 square meters, of which 1,196 booths were for domestic exhibitors and 652 booths for overseas exhibitors.

Exhibitors from 64 countries and regions participated in this mart, namely, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chili, China, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, China Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Luxembourg, China Macao SAR. Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

Among the 2,900 exhibitors in the mart, 1,850 were domestic exhibitors, and 1,050 were overseas exhibitors. In terms of the continent or country the exhibitors belonged to, 10.2% of them came from Asia, 12.1% from Europe, 1.7% from Oceania, 1.5% from America, 3.9% from Africa and 70.6% from China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR). In terms of the exhibitors' business type, travel services made up 34.88%, hotels or hotel management groups 24.85%, national tourism administrations 19.79%, tourist attractions 11.40%, airline companies 3.26%, cruise companies 1.03%, non-governmental tourist organizations 0.94%, tourism media 0.60%, conference or exhibition centers 0.51%, travel transportation 0.34%, international tourist organizations 0.17%, computer reservation systems and others 2.23%. About 20,000 people from tourist circles and 28,000 visitors came to the exhibition.

Over 1,000 overseas buyers from 48 countries and regions attended CITM2004.

source: http://www.citm.com.cn/en/index.php