Radisson Hotel Group rises above challenges to add 84 new hotels across Asia Pacific in 2020

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Radisson Hotel Group overcame significant global challenges in 2020 to expand its portfolio of properties in Asia Pacific, with the addition of 84 exceptional new hotels and resorts, covering eight of its distinct brands.

This rapid growth forms part of the company’s ambitious five-year strategy to triple its portfolio in the midterm. This will be achieved through a blend of organic growth in key markets, such as China, India, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and master brand development agreements with Jin Jiang International and its subsidiaries in China, the world’s largest travel market.

Radisson Hotel Group is one of India’s largest and most reputable international hotel chains, with a comprehensive nationwide portfolio of hotels. This position was strengthened in 2020 with the signing of eight new hotels, including the 125-key Park Inn by Radisson Mashobra Resort, 115-key Park Inn by Radisson Jabalpur, 100-key Park Inn by Radisson Prayagraj, 120-key Radisson Hotel Dehradun, 103-key Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala, 180-key Radisson Blu Hotel Jaipur Malviya Nagar, 120-key Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay and 196-key The White Hotel, Katra, which is also the first member of Radisson Individuals in India.

In South East Asia, the signing of the 84-key Radisson Resort Phan Thiet and 309-key Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Van Phong Bay reinforce Radisson Hotel Group’s strategy of introducing its world-leading brands to Vietnam’s emerging cities and idyllic resort destinations.

In China, two landmark hotels were signed in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province. The 300-key Radisson Blu Hotel Nanjing South New Town and 151-key Radisson Collection Resort, Nanjing will serve the rising number of guests seeking international-standard upper-upscale accommodation in this important regional center.

Radisson Hotel Group’s master brand development agreements in China will play a pivotal role in accelerating its Asia Pacific expansion. In partnership with Jin Jiang International and its subsidiaries, 72 new hotels and resorts were added to the group’s Chinese portfolio in 2020, increasing its inventory by almost 9,000 keys. These included eight upscale select-service Radisson RED hotels with 1,108 keys; six contemporary upper upscale Park Plaza hotels with 1,020 keys; 21 upbeat upper midscale Park Inn by Radisson hotels with 2,969 keys; and 37 welcoming upper midscale Country Inns & Suites by Radisson hotels with 3,868 keys, located in a mix of major tier one cities, provincial capitals, urban centers, airports, railway stations, amusement parks, industrial zones and retail plazas all across China.

Moving into 2021, Radisson Hotel Group will continue to bring exceptional accommodation and elevated hospitality to more guests across Asia Pacific. Ideal for conversion projects, the upscale Radisson Individuals concept will attract experience-seeking travelers, and a fresh focus on serviced apartments will meet the rising global demand for extended-stay products.

“I am very proud of our achievements in 2020, as we remained focused on our long-term goals while responding to unprecedented global upheaval. We reached several major milestones, including the launch of Radisson Individuals, the introduction of Radisson Collection to China, and the signing of new hotels in many exciting new markets. With respected core brands, innovative new concepts, and a fresh focus on high-growth sectors such as serviced apartments, we are confident of a bright future,” commented Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.

“Our growth in 2020 is a wonderful reflection of the depth of our regional alliances, the underlying confidence in our company, and the power of our brands. Despite the unique challenges of 2020, the fundamentals of the travel and hospitality industry remain strong. As part of the world’s second largest hotel group, Radisson Hotel Group is perfectly positioned to accelerate its development and lead the recovery of the hospitality industry. We look forward to working with all our partners in 2021 and beyond,” said Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.



To learn more about working with Radisson Hotel Group, please visit www.radissonhotelgroup.com/development and discover how we strive to make Every Moment Matter.

Cover image: Artist’s impression of Radisson Collection Resort, Nanjing’s lobby

CitySavings provides recovery assistance to schools

Wazzup Pilipinas!

2020 was indeed a challenging year and the education sector most especially was not spared from the massive pressure on distance learning and teaching brought about by the pandemic. The series of typhoons that hit different parts of the country caused immense destruction to school infrastructure and learning materials across Luzon areas.

School buildings and furniture were damaged, technology equipment and supplies, learning materials, and printed modules for remote distance learning were ruined and washed away due to massive flooding.

In response to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) call for help, City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) mobilized calamity related assistance through various relief distributions and education recovery support initiatives to the typhoon-affected areas in Regions 2, 3, NCR, 4A, 4B and 5. 

Over 1,800 relief goods (rice, canned goods, water, vitamins, coffee) and hygiene kits (bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrush) were distributed as immediate aid.

“Maraming-maraming salamat po sa CitySavings para sa grocery na relief goods na ibinigay sa aming pamilya. Napakalaking tulong po nito lalo na ngayon na nasalanta po kami, binaha gawa ng mga nagdaang bagyo. Sa pamunuan ng Calamba Bayside Integrated School at mga guro, isang taos-pusong pasasalamat at naging daan kayo para mabigyan kaming mga evacuees ng relief assistance mula sa CitySavings,” said Clemente Atesora, an evacuee from the said school.

The Bank also donated printers, inks, and bond papers to assist in the replacement and reproduction of self-learning modules (SLMs) to 75 schools and divisions in Luzon.

“The corporate social responsibility projects of City Savings Bank have always been felt by the SDO of Camarines Sur, from the printing of SLMs to the relief operations due to typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. Thank you very much for being our active partner,” said Loida N. Nidea CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent – Division of Camarines Sur.

CitySavings Reputation and Brand Management Head Paula Ruelan emphasized “As we usher in the new year, we are committed to supporting our education sector by providing resources the best way we can. We advocate equal access to quality education despite the adversities brought by these natural calamities during this time of global health crisis.

Guided by the Aboitiz Group’s purpose to drive change for a better world, CitySavings has pledged its support to DepEd under the government’s Basic Education - Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) for the school year 2020 - 2021.



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About City Savings Bank:

City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) is the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and a member of the Aboitiz Group. It is one of the largest thrift banks in the country and provides a range of mass market financial products and services such as salary loans to public and private school teachers, pension loans to GSIS and SSS pensioners, OFW loans, seafarer loans, motorcycle loans, and traditional deposit products. The bank now has more than 140 branches nationwide.

The Best of the Best in the Sport of Horse Racing

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Whilst many things have stopped this year, horse racing has managed to continue its long legacy of entertaining millions around the globe. It has suffered, like everything, at the hands of the Covid pandemic, but remained able to at the very least provide punters across the globe with a glimmer of normality as it retained some fixtures. Whilst fans couldn’t be there and restrictions caused serious disruptions, horse racing has managed to retain its stature as one of the best sports in the world throughout the pandemic. And this year has shown just how good the sport is and can be like any other year. This is a historic sport dating back to the Ancient Greek times and has seen a vast evolution since. But what does it mean to get to the top of this sport and just who and what is the best of the best in the sport of horse racing?

 

Best current jockey

Ben Curtis was the reigning all weather champion coming into 2020, and spent the year solidifying his already outstanding record on the track. Known for his hard working ability and exceptional ratio of wins, this jockey has consistently provided the goods throughout the slightly marred 2020 season. He is still chasing his group one win - which would see him win one of the big races on British mainland, but is yet to conquer this. He does have a few years left in him and with his current performances you could only presume this is just round the corner for this great jockey. He did however hit a mild bump in his career towards the end of the 2020 calendar year that has seen him involved in a brutal collision which left him badly bruised and injured. We wish him a speedy recovery and I have no doubt he will be back on bossing the tracks up and down Britain next year again!

 

Best jockey

One of the best jockeys of the ages is currently still going in the 2020 season and doesn’t look set for stopping. The famous Frankie Dettori is one of the biggest names in horse racing around the world. This man has won heaps of Group One wins, most notably he secured the highly impressive ‘Magnificent Seven’ winning all the races in the Royal Ascot of 1996. Such a marvelous feat this was, which has not even been close to being rivalled, Dettori is now a huge name in the world of horse racing and continues to race as if he was a youngster - with wins galore.

 

Best horse of 2020

Whilst statistically speaking the Irish horse Ghaiyyath is the top horse of the year, there is one real stand out when it comes to horses in the 2020. The American horse, Authentic, won the Breeders cup, defying the sports betting odds at a large 33-1 to become a champion. This dramatic finish propelled this already top performing horse onto a whole new platform. Let this be a reminder of how important tips for the second day are.

 

Best horse in modern history

Whilst it is a close call and fiercely debated topic, we have brought the hammer down. As Tiger Roll approaches his chance at a 3rd Grand National win you have to look at just how good this horse has been. He currently holds back to back Grand National titles and is seeking the victory of a historic 3rd which would send this horse into the legendary category. Expected to happen this year, punters will have to wait to wager some valuable earnings on this outcome until the 2021 fixture. If this horse keeps performing at the level it has been it will easily secure itself a legendary label in the sport.

Whilst this sport has suffered massive setbacks this year, the best of the best in this amazing sport have managed to overcome the adversity yet again and show why they are true champions. It is now a case of seeing what happens in the 2021 season.