August 20, 2010 - Gregor Wateler has been appointed general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, and he joins the hotel from Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun, where he held a similar position.

�It is a highly exciting time to join the newly opened Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo.  Not only is Ningbo fast developing into a core logistics centre and export hub on the south side of the Yangtze River Delta area, Ningbo is also experiencing a boom in inbound travel, especially from the meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions (MICE) sector.  By 2012, the Ningbo Municipal Government aims to achieve 1.4 million overseas tourists and 45 million domestic travellers with a total revenue of Rmb80 billion � double that achieved in 2007.  The success of our hotel is closely connected to the future of Ningbo, and we will endeavour to add value to the development of the city by redefining Ningbo hotel standards through Shangri-La�s legendary hospitality and our superb facilities, authentic cuisine and unrivalled service,� said Mr. Wateler.

During Mr Wateler�s tenure with Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun, the hotel has been named one of the �Top 100 Asia Hotels� by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, �Top 100 China Hotels� by the readers of Travel + Leisure, and awarded �Best Business Hotel� in Changchun for five consecutive years, by the readers of Business Traveller.

A native of Germany, Mr. Wateler�s experience in the hospitality industry spans 21 years, more than 13 years of which have been spent in senior management positions at eight of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts� properties in Asia.  Before joining the Shangri La Hotels and Resorts group, Mr. Wateler held managerial positions with the Intercontinental Hotel group. 

Situated at the confluence of three rivers, Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is the largest five star conference accommodation property in the city.  Located just minutes away from the city�s main shopping hub, Tianyi Square, the 563-room hotel offers lifestyle and business conveniences to meet the needs of all travellers.  The hotel offers health and leisure facilities, restaurants and bars, executive accommodation and Horizon Club privileges, as well as meeting facilities spanning 5,000 square metres, wireless connectivity, support services at the well-equipped business centre and fully furnished private office spaces.  Guest facilities include the exclusive members-only Health Club, a fully equipped gymnasium, two tennis courts, indoor heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and the 1,000 square-metre spa with nine private treatment rooms.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 67 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 30,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.  The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, Turkey and United Kingdom.  For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.