Switzerland's Swatch Group Ltd., the world's number one producer of finished watches, and the Jin Jiang Group, China's leading hotel and travel group, yesterday celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony for the Swatch Art Peace Hotel.
 
Nick Hayek, CEO of The Swatch Group Ltd. states that “the Swatch Art Peace Hotel is a symbol for the continuous development of the Swatch Group brands not only in China but in the whole world – we continue investing heavily not only in our production facilities or our distribution network, but also into new innovative projects such as this one.” This ceremony reflects the confidence of the Swatch Group in the solid future of all its brands, despite the turbulences on the financial markets.

The South Building of the historic Peace Hotel is located at Bund 19 at the intersection of Nanjing Road and the Bund, Shanghai's former financial district and today its most famous landmark. On completion of the restoration before Shanghai EXPO (from May 1 till October 31, 2010), the Swatch Art Peace Hotel will welcome the arts and working artists from around the world to its splendid venues, becoming once again a focal point of Shanghai's vibrant cultural life.

The Swatch Group's close association with contemporary art and artists will be highlighted and complemented by a Swatch Art boutique and by the presence of numerous works of art on site. Dedicated boutiques on the ground floor will host the Swatch Group's most prestigious brands, including Breguet, Blancpain and Omega. Each of the brand boutiques will be designed to complement and enhance the period decor and cultural ambience of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel.

Source: Swatch Group
www.swatchgroup.com