TIANJIN, China, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Verpoorten as the General Manager of The Astor Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Tianjin opening in mid 2010.
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A British national, Mr Verpoorten has over 20 years of hospitality industry experience in leading institutions and possesses an excellent understanding of Asian culture which comes from his 18 years' residence in China. His first assignment in China was in Beijing in 1992, and since then he has worked in Shenyang, Shanghai, Sanya, Zhongshan and Ningbo. Martin has worked for Starwood branded hotels for the past ten years starting at the Westin Tai Ping Yang Shanghai (later Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao) as Director of Food & Beverage in 2000 during which he was actively involved in several high profile events including the APEC meeting in Shanghai. From 2002 to 2005, Mr Verpoorten served as Director of Food & Beverage at the Sheraton Sanya Resort from the pre-opening period and was a task force member supporting the pre-opening team of the Sheraton Ningbo Hotel. In 2005, he was appointed Hotel Manager for the pre-opening of the Sheraton Shanghai Hotel & Residences and Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai Pudong.
During his appointment there, the two hotels made successful debuts in the market and achieved many awards by renowned institutions including TTG Asia and << HOTELS >>. Prior to his current assignment, he was involved in the pre-opening project of Sheraton Zhongshan Hotel as General Manager.
The hotel industry and development in China has offered Mr Verpoorten a wide horizon of opportunities, including learning to speak fluent Chinese. With all that, it is without a doubt that he will lead his team to bring the Luxury Collection experience to guests at The Astor Hotel. The hotel, once open, will be an interesting landmark for travelers exploring a unique and indigenous Tianjin.
The Luxury Collection brand offers guests a portal to the world's most desirable destinations with unique and enriching experiences. This is the first time the Luxury Collection brand enters China following its track in India, Thailand and Malaysia in Asia Pacific, and now in Tianjin, a fascinating city where modern sophistication meets colorful traditions. Built in 1863, this treasured landmark is the only hotel which features a national grade museum inside. The Astor Hotel has played host to VIPs, Heads-of-State and International Diplomats including Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Madam Song Qingling, former President of the United States of America - Herbert Hoover, the last Emperor Puyi and Empress Wan Rong. The hotel is centrally located in Tianjin's progressive financial district and now undergoing a 300 million RMB renovation which will restore the hotel back to its former glory and beyond.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection(R) is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent decor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel's distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information, please visit http://www.luxurycollection.com .
