 VANCOUVER,
CANADA, August 8, 2008 - August Hotels and Properties, a Vancouver
based developer and operator has set their eyes on targeting the International
urban sophisticate who appreciates the authentic and genuine. August is
focused on the growing global urban population that you'll find from New
York to London, Hong Kong to Rio de Janeiro and will create destinations
that appeal to their appetite for cutting edge design whilst also addressing
their emerging desire for responsible consumption and inspiring "life enrichment
experiences".
Respectful and mindful of a location's history and character, August's properties aim to become landmark destinations in their own right by creating new legacies for current and future generations. Barry Hong, Chairman and CEO and Jens Thraenhart, President and COO have pulled together a unique team to be based in their new Vancouver and Beijing offices. Hong is a Vancouver based entrepreneur and style defining hotel developer responsible for such ground breaking Vancouver hotels such as the Sheraton Suites Le Soleil. He is also an "old china hand" as he cut his teeth in the fast paced climate of Hong Kong and Asia in the 80's and 90's. Working with the likes of FGI, Hong was instrumental in syndicating and developing The Westin in Macau, and The Westin Tai-Ping Yang, Shanghai to name but a few. Hong's entrepreneurial zest is balanced by Thraenhart's unique combination of international hospitality experience having worked with such companies as Fairmont, Four Seasons, Kempinski, Marriott, and most recently the Canadian Tourism Commission. In 2003, Travel Agent Magazine voted him as one of the "100 Rising Stars in Travel", and HSMAI recognized him as one of the '25 Most Extraordinary Sales and Marketing Minds in Hospitality and Travel' in 2004 and 2005. Regarded as a thought-leader by his peers, Thraenhart sits on various company and industry advisory boards, is frequently quoted in numerous articles, and is a speaker at many industry conferences and events. Both Hong and Thraenhart are focused on expansion with their primary developments being located in Asia with a focus on China and Vietnam. August's first project will be located in a heritage site in Beijing. |