Name: Bonida Chan
Position: Director of Marketing Communications
Hotel: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
Dream destination: Bali
Drink or treat of choice: Hot chocolate with marshmallows

When Bonida Chan returned to Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers in 2023, she stepped into a bigger role and a post-pandemic travel landscape that looked nothing like the one she’d left. Guest expectations had shifted, competition was fierce, and the market was still finding its footing. Yet within a year, her team was setting new revenue records — boosting eShop sales by 43% and channel revenue by more than 50%.

“It’s remarkable to see what we can achieve with very limited resources,” she says. “The credit goes to my team and the collaborative spirit across the hotel.”

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That mindset — adapting quickly, finding opportunity in challenges, and leading with teamwork — recently earned Bonida a major honor: 2024 Property Marketing Leader of the Year from the Global Elite Awards.

Bonida first joined Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers in 2014 as a Marketing Communications Executive, marking her second role in the hospitality industry. Two years later, she was promoted to Assistant Marketing Communications Manager. After leaving in 2018 to further her career, she returned five years later to take on a leadership role — a move that expanded her responsibilities to include marketing, branding, public relations, and, for the first time, oversight of the hotel’s digital sales segment.

“I see great potential at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers and within Marriott International as a whole,” says Bonida. “The company provides opportunities for associates to grow not only within their hotel, but across the country and around the world. There is no limit here.”

Keep reading to learn more about Bonida’s limitless journey, in her own words.

How did it feel to be named the 2024 Property Marketing Leader of the Year out of thousands of nominees worldwide?

I am truly amazed and grateful to receive such significant recognition from the global panel. Achieving these results in the highly competitive environment of Hong Kong has never been easy, and I’m proud that we accomplished this in 2024. I could not have achieved this without the unwavering guidance and support from my management, as well as the team’s exceptional execution.

You led initiatives that boosted eShop revenue by 43% and channel revenue by over 50%. What was one unexpected challenge you had to overcome?

One challenge was navigating shifting market conditions, from changes in local travel and spending habits to increased competition from other hotels and third-party platforms. At the same time, tourism in Hong Kong was slower to recover than expected, and ongoing renovations limited our room inventory. To overcome these hurdles, we focused on reinforcing our unique selling points, targeting the right customers, and exploring new markets and partnerships. This allowed us to stay competitive without compromising our brand value, ultimately driving sustained growth.

How has Marriott and your hotel supported your development?

There is a tremendous amount of online training available on the Digital Learning Zone that we can take based on our job requirements. We also have the opportunity to participate in leadership programs like En Route, which further develop our leadership skills.

Cross-functional and regional trainings held by the Regional Team give us exposure to counterparts in other areas and allow us to share ideas. In addition, my management is always open to sharing their vision and offering valuable advice, which helps me gain a clearer perspective on my future.

What keeps you motivated?

I’m a strong believer in teamwork. I know I can’t achieve anything significant without the contributions of my team and the collaboration of all departments. Leading a group of talented individuals to accomplish our goals brings me a great sense of achievement. It’s also rewarding to see what we can accomplish with limited resources. Mentoring associates and watching the team grow is one of the most motivating parts of my role.

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