Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Millennium Harbourview Xiamen had to put its bimonthly birthday celebrations on hold. As the situation stabilised and restrictions lifted in mainland China, the hotel organised an outdoor celebration. Themed “Embracing Nature and Building Health”, it helped to boost staff morale as well as encourage them to keep fit and stay healthy.

Some 30 staff, who celebrated their birthdays in the first half of the year, took part. They headed to Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿) on 22 June 2020, on a walking tour of the pedestrian-only island. Staff took in the beautiful sights such as beaches and greenery, colonial architecture and the island’s culture.

The hotel’s management team also headed outdoors for its team building exercise, visiting the mountain villages Junyingcun (军营村) and Baijiaocicun (白交祠村) in Xiamen’s Tongan District. The team building session was aimed at strengthening communication and cooperation within the various hotel departments, especially during these unprecedented times.

The two villages were chosen as they were among areas that have seen many changes, especially in the establishment of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone and was a part of Fujian Province where China President Xi Jinping formerly served. Other than visiting these two villages, the management team also had a brainstorming activity at the local high school on how the hotel can improve its business revenue, service, and guest and employee satisfaction. After putting their heads together and having some robust discussions, the team emerged with stronger fighting spirit and feasible plans that will be implemented in the near future.