Most of the management team of Mandarin Oriental, which is owned by the old-fashioned Jardine Matheson and headquartered in Hong Kong, has temporarily evacuated from Hong Kong. Chief Executive James Riley, in an interview with the Financial Times, criticized the strict anti-epidemic measures for making Hong Kong like an isolated island. Terrible base of operations.
He pointed out that it is no longer feasible to stay in Hong Kong to manage the group's business. He also pointed out that the "closed customs" has made Hong Kong unfamiliar, and it is impossible to inspect the group's hotels, and basically "can't go anywhere".
James Riley said Hong Kong can only recover if it regains the freedom to travel; the recovery of the group's business is strong outside Asia, especially in Europe and the United States.
He pointed out that even if the mainland business has a reasonable return, because of the domestic market, the group even plans to open five new hotels in Beijing and Shanghai.
Chief operating officer to leave for the first time in 25 years: management in Hong Kong is no longer feasible
Hong Kong, which is severely affected by the epidemic, has so far been unable to "clear customs" with the mainland, nor accept foreign countries "coexisting with the virus."
Mandarin Oriental, which has hotel business in more than 20 countries, although headquartered in Hong Kong, James Riley has stayed overseas for 10 months and only recently returned to Hong Kong. He said that he could no longer manage the group's business in Hong Kong, and revealed more and more Key management personnel will withdraw from Hong Kong.
For example, the chief operating officer of the group has been stationed in Hong Kong for 25 years and withdrew 15 months ago. He has no plans to return to Hong Kong for the time being. He admitted that "there is nothing to do in Hong Kong."
There is still an internal circulation in the Mainland: Hong Kong "can't go anywhere!"
Hong Kong follows the mainland's strategy of "strictly preventing imports", which has been questioned by foreign business circles.
The current epidemic prevention policy only allows Hong Kong residents to enter, and entrants must undergo a two-week hotel quarantine, and eight countries including the United Kingdom and the United States are prohibited from flying to and from the country.
James Riley said frankly that the Hong Kong border has been sealed, and it is extremely difficult to manage global business as a headquarters. It is impossible to inspect hotels and meet guests. "I can't go anywhere!" The group's share price in Singapore has risen 24% in June.
Even though Hong Kong and the mainland pursue strict anti-epidemic measures, James Riley pointed out that, unlike Hong Kong, the mainland has internal circulation to support revenue. With the recovery of domestic tourism, the group is planning to open 5 new hotels.
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