Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung (sixth left) and other guests make a toast at a celebratory event to mark the Rosewood Hong Kong and The Upper House selected on the World's 50 Best Hotels list, at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, in Hong Kong, Oct 24, 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Two Hong Kong hotels made the top five of 50 hotels voted as the best in the world by more than 580 industry experts, highlighting the city’s leading position in the global hospitality industry.

Rosewood Hong Kong and The Upper House claimed the second and the fourth spot, respectively, in the World's 50 Best Hotels list released by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, an international group of leaders in the hospitality industry.

At a celebratory event on Tuesday, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung praised the achievement, saying that the two hotels showcased Hong Kong's vibrant culture and hospitality to the world.

READ MORE: Yearning for ways to revive the ‘golden days’

“Having two hotels from Hong Kong not just on the list but top on the list speaks volumes of the professionalism of our hospitality industry,” Yeung said. 

Hong Kong has many undiscovered talents, who the industry must engage and galvanize to reinvigorate the city’s reputation as a vibrant, world-leading tourist destination and international cultural hub.

Sonia Cheng Chi-man, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group

“It is all your dedicated efforts which make our hotel industry strong, and your passion and commitment which contribute to Hong Kong’s success,” he added.

Sonia Cheng Chi-man, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, said the company has cultivated a strong pipeline of homegrown talent for Hong Kong’s hospitality sector with unparalleled opportunities provided via a series of its initiatives.

READ MORE: HK hospitality sector calls for importation of 9,000 workers

“Hong Kong has many undiscovered talents, who the industry must engage and galvanize to reinvigorate the city’s reputation as a vibrant, world-leading tourist destination and international cultural hub,” Cheng urged.

Tim Blackburn, chief executive of The Upper House’s parent company Swire Properties and chairman of Swire Hotels, said the reopening of boundaries between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese mainland provided a vital boost to the industry.

Associates from Rosewood Hong Kong and The Upper House share their experiences at a celebratory event to mark the two hotels selected on the World's 50 Best Hotels list, at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, in Hong Kong, on Oct 24, 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

“We’re encouraged by the concerted efforts of the HKSAR government and Hong Kong Tourism Board to develop exciting campaigns and host mega events, which are attracting a global audience. We will continue to look for new ways to engage our guests and introduce new, memorable experiences,” Blackburn said.

ALSO READ: HK's tourism rebounds, but sales still below pre-virus levels

The World's 50 Best Hotels list includes industry-defining hotels from 35 different locations across six continents. Other hotels in the top five are Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy; Four Seasons Bangkok in Thailand, and Aman Tokyo in Japan.