Hotel Giants Venture Into Dalian’s East Port

　　From 2012 to 2015 the hotels will expand into the zone with a planned area of 6.2 square kilometers, sources said.

　　Leading hotel chain Hilton and its luxury brand Conrad have taken the lead in the zone with a planned construction area of 6.2 square kilometers.

　　The Wanda Hilton and Wanda Conrad opened their doors in February. They are located in a building owned by Wanda, a top private firm established in Dalian. The two hotels complement each other, with the Wanda Conrad situated atop the Hilton.

　　Vald Reyes, general manager of the Wanda Hilton and Wanda Conrad, told China Daily that in the Hilton tradition, "We"re always the pioneer. The arrival of Conrad, a luxury brand under Hilton, also indicates the people"s appetite for luxury in the zone."

　　Hilton is confident of Wanda"s presence in the zone. "Wanda is an active player here and Hilton and Conrad are expected to benefit from the Summer Davos Forum next year."

　　The Dalian International Convention Center, founded by Wanda and close to the Hilton and Conrad, will open next year and will be the new and permanent venue for the economic event.

　　Reyes commented on the hotels" opening, "The difficult time was over within a few months."

　　Renowned figures and tycoons have organized their weddings in the Conrad. Domestic and foreign brands, including Chanel and the Dalian-based private firm Haicang, have launched big meeting events in the Conrad, showing their recognition of the new zone.

　　Reyes believed Dalian now is a "1.5-tier" city instead of the common second-tier it is recognized as.

　　He was impressed by nearly 10 cranes working in the bay every day. The daily progress of Dalian shows his hotel company"s foresight, he noted.