Marco Polo to operate five-star deluxe hotel in Shenzhen

The Marco Polo Hotel Group has signed a long-term management contract to operate a five-star deluxe hotel in the Futian Central Business District of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Developed and owned by China Tobacco Company (Shenzhen), in cooperation with their asset manager Shenzhen Europe America Business Services Company Ltd; the hotel is conveniently located in the city's prime commercial district of Futian and is in close proximity to the city's government office complex, the new Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Centre and Shenzhen Rapid Transit System (opening 2004). Analysts foresee that many government and private sector offices will move from Lowu to Futian over the next 2-5 years. The new Futian CBD is considered by many to be like Central in Hong Kong and Pudong in Shanghai.

Scheduled to open in the summer of 2005, the dramatically designed 41-story building will provide 375 guestrooms and suites including Marco Polo's signature Continental Club, the executive floor that provides the finest in luxurious accommodation and service for the discerning traveler. Food & Beverage highlights include the signature Café Marco, an innovative all-day restaurant featuring a spectacular international buffet as well as notable a la carte menu. The Chinese restaurant will offer Chiu Chow and other regional specialties in intimate private dining rooms. The Lobby Lounge serves up designer coffees, traditional teas, light snack and offer the best in contemporary entertainment. The conference and banquet facilities can accommodate groups of up to 1200 persons and provide an ideal venue for meetings, seminars and social events. The recreation center will feature a luxurious spa and include a fitness club, swimming pool, tennis courts and other sports facilities. As a mixed-use building, it will also house the headquarters of the China Tobacco Company (Shenzhen).

"We are delighted to be working with our partners Shenzhen Europe America Business Services and China Tobacco Company (Shenzhen) in the management of our fourth Marco Polo hotel in Mainland China. The property is located right in the center of Shenzhen - one of the fastest developing cities in China. The world-class facilities and Marco Polo's reputation for quality hotels will position the property as the leading hotel in Shenzhen," said Michael Kalyk, President of Marco Polo Hotel Group.

"We are particularly pleased to have reached agreement with the Marco Polo Hotel Group for the pre-opening design development and long-term management of our new hotel project. As an Asia-based hotel operator owned by The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd., a prestigious Hong Kong public company, the Marco Polo Hotel Group has the hands-on experience and reputation for quality hotels that will be important to the long-term success of The Marco Polo Shenzhen," said Vincent Chen, President of Shenzhen Europe America Business Services Company.