MCLEAN, VA, and WHITE PLAINS, NY–With an influx of Chinese travelers to the U.S. expected in the next few years, Hilton Worldwide and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide have unveiled programs designed to make these visitors feel welcome during their stay.
Both companies programs entail providing special amenities, new service offerings, and enhanced employee training. New amenities and services might include a welcome letter in Mandarin; tea kettles, Chinese tea, and slippers available in guestrooms; popular Chinese breakfast items like congee available in hotel restaurants and through room service; on-site translation services; and a dedicated television channel broadcasting Chinese programming available in guestrooms and public spaces.
The Hilton program, which is being introduced at the companys core Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, is called Hilton Huanying, referring to the Mandarin word for welcome (see logo rendering). The program rolls out next month at the Hilton San Francisco.
Starwoods program is called Starwood Personalized Travel and will be implemented at 19 hotels, including those that are part of the companys Sheraton, W, Le Meridien, and Westin brands.