The recent surge in the number of foreign tourists to Korea offers unprecedented opportunities for the growth of the hotel industry in the country. Both domestic and international hotel chains plan to open new properties in the country and upgrade their products and services to meet the growing number of foreign tourists and their evolving tastes.

Hoyt Harper II, global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, also expects the local opening of its sister brand Aloft in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, in 2014.

Serving as a senior vice president of brand management of Starwood’s largest and most global brand, Harper has led Sheraton brand’s $6 billion global revitalization project, including the opening on Sept. 20 of Sheraton Macao Hotel, one of the world’s largest hotels that is 13 times larger than average hotels.

During his visit to Seoul in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Sheraton Hotel brand, Harper shared his plan for the Sheraton hotels worldwide and in Korea, and explained some key products and prospects of the hotel industry.

Following is a Q&A with Hoyt Harper II.

Q: This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Sheraton Hotel brand. What does it mean for your hotel and for the global hotel industry?

A: The brand has stood out from its competitors by being the first international brand in many areas in the world ― being the first in China, the Middle East and South America. We have just completed the $6 billion revitalization plan; we invested in new hotels, renovated hotels and renewed hotels that didn’t meet our standards. And by doing all that, things just aligned and it’s time to celebrate. We like to think the Sheraton is the world’s gathering place where the most important events occurring around the world from weddings to G20 summits are held. 

Q: What changes will customers see in the hotel?

A: There have been significant changes in the brand as we went through revitalization efforts. It was more than fixing-up buildings, but putting in signature initiatives like Link@Sheraton experience. We created a social hub in the lobby where travelers work, surf the Internet and interact with others. We also focus on Club ― club floors, rooms and lounge ― more than our competitors because it’s a social space where our guests upgrade and indulge in the upside of everything with a like-minded community of travelers.

Q: Do you see Korea and its cities rising as tourist destinations?

A: It’s one of the best-kept secrets. I was very surprised how much I loved my day off and opportunities to see Seoul. I loved the combination of old and new architecture. It’s a beautiful city. I can see why the number of inbound guests is increasing.

Q: Do you have any expansion plans in Korea?

A: We opened two Sheraton hotels in the last two years and will be opening Aloft property in Suwon in October 2014, all due to business and leisure travelers’ demand.

At the same time, we see significant outbound travel growth for Korea. Samsung is one of our largest customers worldwide. With the growth of an industry, whether it be electronics and automobiles, you have companies that export and sell their products all over the world. As they travel, they are going to have a place to stay.

We expect Korea to be one of the markets for the new Sheraton Macao Hotel. We also see opportunities in Hawaii and other parts of Asia.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)