One of its executives noted that Hyatt is "not the fastest growing hotel brand, we are aiming to be the best" as the global hospitality group recently opened the new five-star Hyatt Regency Qingdao in the coastal city.

"The Hyatt Regency Qingdao marks a significant milestone in our development," said Christopher Koehler, vice-president of its Asia-Pacific operations, at a press conference on Jan 11.

"We will strive to offer the city new levels of sophistication and style enhanced by the Hyatt Hotel signature hospitality."

Anthony Ha, general manager of the Qingdao property, said the new hotel offers the unique glamour, culture and hospitality of the Hyatt brand.

"Hyatt Regency Qingdao will uphold the brand's reputation for signature gourmet experiences with talented master chefs, beautiful designs and unique dining concepts," he said. "The hotel's state-of-the-art resort and conference facilities, as well as our prime services, will be presented in every way to satisfy guests' expectations."

City officials said the hotel is a major project supporting Qingdao's strategy to develop a "blue" marine economy that also emphasizes modern services.

Wang Wei, deputy-mayor of the Qingdao municipal government, said "the establishment and future development of the Hyatt Regency Qingdao will greatly drive the city's tourism industry and play a role in transforming and upgrading Qingdao's service industry".

The facility was built and is owned by Lushang Group, one of the province's leading real estate developers, which approached Hyatt after the hotel corporation announced a plan in 2010 to open 11 new Hyatt hotels in second-tier cities, expanding beyond its 17 properties around the nation at the time.

Now more than 50 years old, the Hyatt group manages, franchises, owns and develops Hyatt branded hotels, resorts and residential and vacation ownership properties. The company's worldwide portfolio has about 500 properties.

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