Stelliers on Tour: Hangzhou Balances Growth, Competition, and Talent Challenges
Sophie Yan recently visited Hangzhou for a series of meetings and conversations with hospitality professionals across the city ahead of the Stelliers Greater China 2026 Awards Ceremony nominations season.
Enwei Lien, General Manager, Amanfayun
Vicky Gao, Director of People & Culture; Miya Zhang, Senior Director of Spa and Stelliers Greater China 2025 Wellness & Spa Hotelier of the Year; Gianni Costa, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
Throughout the visit, it was exciting to see the continued confidence surrounding Hangzhou’s hospitality market, particularly within the luxury and upper-upscale segments. Industry leaders shared positive sentiment around improving occupancy and RevPAR performance, supported by the gradual return of international travellers alongside strong domestic leisure demand.
Katherine Lu, Director of Digital Marketing & Public Relations, Banyan Tree Hangzhou & Angsana Hangzhou
Daphne Ng, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Center
The inbound market has also continued to strengthen following China’s visa-free and visa facilitation policies introduced last year, contributing to growing international arrivals and high-value bookings across the city.
Eric Kee, General Manager, InterContinental Hangzhou ICC
Lynn Ruan, Director of Sales & Marketing, InterContinental Hangzhou Wulin
At the same time, Hangzhou continues attracting strong leisure demand, especially from nearby cities including Shanghai and the wider Yangtze River Delta region, while MICE and corporate travel are also showing encouraging signs of recovery.
Another major point of discussion throughout the visit was the continued evolution of Hangzhou’s luxury hotel landscape. With several new international properties entering the market, including Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Wulin Center, The Silk Lakehouse Hangzhou, Shangri-La Hangzhou, and InterContinental Hangzhou Wulin, the city continues to reinforce its position as one of Greater China’s most exciting luxury hospitality destinations.
Ulrich Jablonka, General Manager, Shangri-La Hangzhou & The Silk Lakehouse, Hangzhou
Betty Peng, Assistant Director of Human Resources; Jercy Ye, Assistant Director of Communications, JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou & Courtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin
Peter Zhou, General Manager, Park Hyatt Hangzhou
Eddy Ding, Director of Operations; Alex Han, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
Conversations also highlighted the increasing importance of talent development across the market, with many hotel groups continuing to invest heavily in training, leadership development, and operational excellence as competition for experienced hospitality talent continues to grow.
Rising labour costs and operational efficiency remain important focus areas across the industry, encouraging many hotel teams to further explore cross-training initiatives, digital solutions, and productivity improvements to support long-term growth.
As Hangzhou’s hospitality landscape continues evolving, the city remains a dynamic and closely watched market, balancing luxury growth, operational innovation, and a strong commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality talent.
Celebrate the People Moving Hospitality Forward
There’s still time to nominate outstanding hospitality professionals for the Stelliers Greater China 2026.
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in their role over the past 12 months? Someone who has demonstrated leadership, resilience, creativity, or an exceptional commitment to improving the guest experience?
Now is the time to recognise their contribution to the industry.