Leading by example to protect the oceans, The Peninsula Hotel will stop serving shark fin next year

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi

Shark fin has long been a symbol of high-end cuisine in China. With the global shark population continuously declining and the marine food chain under threat, environmental advocates have been encouraging people to refrain from consuming shark fin dishes. Yesterday (the 22nd), one of the top hotel representatives—The Peninsula Hotel—also launched an ocean conservation campaign; starting next year, shark fin dishes will no longer appear on the menus of restaurants or banquets under the group.

The Peninsula Hotels Group announced that starting January 1, 2012, all dining outlets under the group will cease offering shark fin dishes. However, banquets confirmed before the announcement on November 21, 2011, which include shark fin dishes, will not be affected. The Peninsula Hotel Group decided to discontinue shark fin offerings in light of the ongoing global decline in shark numbers, with some species even facing extinction.

The Peninsula Hotels Group is the oldest hotel enterprise in Asia. Its CEO, Clement Kwok, stated that the group hopes its decision to stop serving shark fin can contribute modestly to the conservation of marine ecological resources and help create a better future for the next generation. The group’s hotels include those in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila, and Paris (opening in 2013). Properties under the group also include the Repulse Bay complex, Peak Tower and Peak Tram, St. John’s Building, The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and The Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand.