According to the Changjiang Times, many star-rated hotels in Wuhan have changed their top management since the end of 2008 and others are considering a change very soon.

It is reported that high-end star-grade hotels, including Holiday Inn Riverside Hotel, Novotel Xinhua Wuhan, and Howard Johnson Hotel Wuhan have all changed their general managers since the end of last year. In addition, it is rumored in local media that Shangri-La Hotel, Wuhan, will also replace its general manager very soon.

An insider has disclosed to the local media that since the second half of last year, no less than eight hotels from Wuhan have replaced their general managers. In addition, Wuhan Marco Polo Hotel and Shangri-La Hotel, Wuhan, will also probably change their general managers, though the hotels have not made a final decision on this.

It is understood that the tenure of general managers of star-rated hotels usually lasts for two or three years, then they may be asked to renew their contract with the hotel or leave the hotel. It is common for hotels to change general managers, but its regarded as unusual that so many hotels should change their general managers in such a short period of time.

It is believed that the incidence of change may be caused in part by the current economic depression.

(China Hospitality News March 17, 2009)