In Conversation with Mark Wong

Mark Wong rejoined Small Luxury Hotels of the World^TM (SLH) in 2016 as Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific. In this role, he oversees the brand’s regional operations, including hotel development, sales, marketing, and distribution. As the official spokesperson for SLH in Asia Pacific, Mark also leads the strategic growth and expansion of the brand’s curated membership portfolio across the region.

Mark previously served as Area Director for SLH Asia Pacific from 2009 to 2011. With more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has held senior leadership positions at NEXT Story Group, Preferred Travel Group, and Hyatt Hotels. His marketing expertise extends to roles at American Express, Open World, Foote, Cone & Belding, and CPR Vision, with experience spanning Singapore, New York, Chicago, and Hong Kong.

Keemala-Tree Towers at Sunrise

An active contributor to the industry, Mark sits on the Board of the Asia Pacific Outlook Lodging Association (APOLA). He was also a founding board member of both the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Singapore Chapter and the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG). Throughout his career, he has received multiple accolades recognising his creativity and innovation in hospitality marketing.

Mark is a regular guest speaker on the hospitality circuit. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys interior design and is a passionate home cook who loves hosting dinner parties for family and friends.

Lchang Nang Retreat

What makes your current assignment stand out from other properties/brands you’ve worked in?

What I love about championing the SLH brand in APAC is the diversity and individuality of each member hotel. Unlike larger chains, SLH member hotels are independently owned, carefully curated, and deeply rooted in their local culture. This allows them to offer creative experiences that are genuinely personal, authentic, and memorable. Every property tells a different story; and as a leader and storyteller, I have endless appealing content to amplify across the region. Never a dull moment.

Who is your typical customer at SLH?

Our guests are well-traveled and discerning. They are curious to dig deeper into authenticity and stay away from uniformity. They are people who want to immerse themselves in culture and cuisine made by locals for locals (not recreated for tourists), while enjoying the comforts and service of a boutique luxury hotel.

The Retreat Koh Chang

What would you do if you were not a hotelier?

I am an accidental hotelier. Professionally, I was a “Madison Avenue” Ad-man in New York before switching lanes into the hospitality industry. Like what I am doing now, advertising is about telling inspiring stories and creating aspirations.

Building the right team is crucial for a property’s success. What are the key skills you look for when hiring new employees?

Beyond technical skills, I look for entrepreneurs with empathy and curiosity to challenge the norm. Also, it is helpful that team members are culturally inclusive and passionate about the hospitality trade. People can provide service, but many cannot serve. With a global talent shortage in the hospitality industry, many new employees are just seeking jobs, rather than embarking on a life-long trade.

Viceroy Bali

What is the USP of SLH?

SLH’s unique strength lies in its independence and individuality, whether in the property or its owner. Each hotel is a story of its location, culture, and people, curated for travellers who want something beyond a standard experience. We celebrate diversity in design, cuisine, and service, offering a network of properties that feel personal rather than corporate. This authenticity and distinctiveness are what set them apart—whether it is a Kyoto inn transformed from a century-old machiya, where every beam tells a story, or a secluded villa in Bali’s rainforest designed around a philosophy of natural healing.

What has been your career highlight?

One of my most recent career highlights was hosting a Global Hotel Conference in Tokyo last year. We brought together over 200 independently spirited hoteliers from all over the world to exchange business ideas and build new friendships. Throughout the week, the participants were also able to interact with the travel trade and media. It was a successful event to showcase Asia Pacific as an important source of business.

Nimb Hotel

How will travel trends change in the year 2026?

Travel in 2026 will continue to focus on purpose and wellbeing. Guests will seek meaningful experiences that connect them with local culture, nature, and sustainability. Our Wellbeing Collection that is launched in August 2025 is deeply attuned to the needs of today’s restless traveller, offering thoughtful spaces to realign and recover beyond the spa. Technology will play a supporting role, but the human touch and authentic storytelling will remain central to luxury travel.

Was a career in hospitality something you always dreamt of? What is your advice to aspiring hoteliers?

I have always dreamt of travelling the world. Hence, a career in hospitality allows me to fulfil my career and personal goals. My advice to aspiring hoteliers is to stay curious, embrace different cultures, and always be respectful and true to yourself. Honesty and empathy are invaluable in a people’s business.

Rhino and River Wildlife Retreat & Spa

Which cities are your favourites for: 1) food 2) history 3) fashion?

I think Singapore has come a long way when it comes to its food scene. There’s such a great mix of cuisines from different cultures, and something for every budget. Lately, I’ve been quite into Chinese history, so China’s ancient towns and cities are some of my favourite places to explore. As for shopping, I usually head to Hong Kong. The fashion scene there is always on trend and seasonal. More importantly, the clothes tend to fit me with little to no alteration.

You have worked in several cities, which is your favourite city for work and play?

For work, Singapore offers a dynamic and efficient hub to oversee our regional operations. Its strategic geographical location and central time zone allows me to connect conveniently across the Asia Pacific region. For play, I enjoy exploring cities on foot in search of culture gems and local cuisines. Cities like Tokyo and Melbourne are great to explore.

Dolkhar Ladakh

When are you happiest?

I am happiest when I am spending the day on a secluded beach in Byron Bay. No mobile phone, no agenda, no crowd. Simplicity can be blissful and beautiful.

At work, which is your most challenging activity and why?

One of the biggest challenges is balancing the individuality of each hotel with regional operational standards. Every property is unique, and supporting them while maintaining quality excellence requires flexibility, clear communication, and a deep understanding of both culture and business requirements.