Shangri-La sets its "Eyes On The Prize". In anticipation of the world's spotlight, turning to Beijing during the 2008 Olympics, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has recently appointed a dedicated Olympics director of sales and marketing and in-house 2008 Shangri-La Hospitality Committee, comprised of top management from the group's four Beijing properties, and one in Qingdao (site of the Olympics sailing competitions).

With 47 hotels, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is not only Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, but the largest in China, with 19 hotels in the country's primary and secondary cities.The group's Beijing properties - the Shangri-La Hotel, China World Hotel, Kerry Centre Hotel and Traders Hotel - combine to represent 2,430 rooms, 12,368 square metres of conference space and approximately 3,000 staff to fulfil the needs of Olympics visitors.

Johan Chan, director of sales and marketing - special projects, will be the first contact for all business and promotional enquiries, nationally, regionally and globally. He will also ensure that all Shangri-La properties maintain smooth communications with the games service department of Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG). Mr. Chan may be reached at telephone 86 10 85296668, e-mail johan.chan@shangri-la.com.

The Olympics Committee, led by Sunny Paw, vice president sales and marketing, China, will focus on streamlining the Olympics experience for Shangri-La guests, through room inventory control, rate guidelines, booking policies and synergy between all China hotels. The Committee will also focus on identifying business opportunities leading up to, during and after the Games.

"The 2008 Olympics is not only an opportunity for China to show its best to the world, but the chance for China's leading luxury hotel group to shine on the world stage," said Mr. Paw. "Given our group strength in Beijing and China, it is fitting that we are taking a lead in Olympics preparations."