THE FUNERAL for Robert H. Burns, who founded Regent International Hotels and co-founded the World Travel and Tourism Council, is being held this week in New York State.
Regent Hong Kong, in announcing Burns’s passing, described him as having a “pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication” that redefined luxury hospitality.
Burns established Regent International Hotels in partnership with Japan’s Tokyu Group in 1970, and unveiled the first Regent property in Honolulu. A decade later he opened Regent Hong Kong, which has been described as his most ambitious vision.
The waterfront property in Tsim Sha Tsui, which boasts some of the finest views across to Hong Kong island, operated under the InterContinental brand before resuming its title as Regent Hong Kong in 1980.
A statement by the Regent Hong Kong paid tribute to Burns who “guided the creation of 18 distinctive luxury hotels in just 22 years”.
A obituary published by Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton NY, read: “In 1992 Burns went on to become co-founder of the World Travel and Tourism Council, which works to encourage global industry growth and protect cultural and natural heritage sites important to tourism.
Bob’s Bar at the Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island – which Burns helped develop – was named in honour of him by the grateful owner
“He also created the Robert Burns Foundation with a goal of further strengthening ties between East and West by providing scholarships to Asian students for studies in the US. In addition, he developed seminars on tourism-related topics in China and a preservation study of Vietnam’s ancient port of Hoi An, which would later become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination.”
Robert ‘Bob’ Burns was an “avid jazz lover” and served as an executive board member for the genre at New York City’s Lincoln Center. During his career he also served on various hotel and property developer boards including Wharf (Holdings) in Hong Kong and Oberoi Hotels in India.
Michel Chertouh, managing director of Regent Hong Kong, said: “Mr Burns’ extraordinary vision and dedication to excellence transformed Regent Hong Kong into a beacon of unmatched luxury, inspiring our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, highly personalised service and culturally meaningful experiences today. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those touched by his remarkable legacy.”
