Hotel, industry and travel news from around Greater China; this week: China revises GDP growth, tougher polution rules, no visa for Chengdu and more....

CHINA 2012 GDP GROWTH REVISED TO 7.7% 
 
According to China Daily, China's statistic authority lowered the country's growth rate for 2012 to 7.7 percent based on its preliminary verification. The revised gross domestic product (GDP) came in at RMB51.9 trillion (US$8.4 trillion), down RMB38 billion from the preliminary calculation figure that put the annual rate at 7.8 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a statement. 
 
BEJING TOUGHENS POLLUTION RULES
 
According to China Daily, in a five-year clean air action plan (2013-2017), the Beijing municipal government said polluting companies will be ordered to upgrade or close parts or all of their facilities in the coming years to 2016. The municipal government has pledged to reduce PM 2.5 density by 25 percent or more by 2017 to improve the city's air quality.  
 
VISA FREE CHENGDU
 
According to Global Times, Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, officially became the country's fourth city to implement the 72-hour visa-free transit policy. Air passengers from 45 nations on direct flights to Shuangliu International Airport can enjoy the policy from the second day they arrive. However, foreigners will have to obtain valid visas for another country and onward airline tickets. 
 
STARWOOD DEBUTS SHERATON SHENYANG SOUTH CITY HOTEL
 
According to the Breaking Travel News, Sheraton Shenyang South City Hotel has opened its doors in the Hunnan New District of Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning Province in northeast China. Sheraton Shenyang South City Hotel features 340 contemporary and comfortable guest rooms, including 38 suites. For meetings and events, the Hotel boasts versatile event spaces spanning approximately 2,000 square meters. The 1,100-square-meter pillarless Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 930 persons.  
 
LAWSON OPENS FIRST CONVENIENCE STORE IN BEIJING 
 
According to China Retail News, Japanese convenience store chain Lawson formally opened its first outlet in Beijing in Xicheng district. According to the planning of Lawson, the company is expected to open 300 chain stores in Beijing and establish the city as its regional headquarters in Northern China. By the end of June 2013, Lawson had 11,738 chain stores in the world, including 368 in China. Those Chinese stores were mostly located in Shanghai, Chongqing, and Dalian. 
SINO GROUP OF HOTELS TO OPERATE ITS FIRST SERVICED APARTMENTS 
 
According to PR Newswire, Sino Group of Hotels announced the naming of The Johnston Suites, the first serviced apartments under its management. Opening on 1 September 2013, The Johnston Suites serviced apartments located on 74-80 Johnston Road, was formerly named as Fraser Suites Hong Kong. Situated in the heart of Hong Kong's famous Wan Chai business district and in the vicinity of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the bustling hubs of Causeway Bay, Admiralty and Central, The Johnston Suites offers 87 apartments. 

www.hvs.com