A Legacy of Luxury: 43 Years with The Peninsula Hotels – A Conversation with Peter Camille Borer

an interview with Peter Camille Borer, Chief Operating Officer of HSH Group

We sat down with Peter Camille Borer, Chief Operating Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH) Group. Celebrating an incredible 43 years with The Peninsula Hotels, Peter has played an integral role in shaping the brand’s legacy of excellence. From his deep connection to Hong Kong to overseeing the opening of 10 of the group’s 12 iconic properties, Peter offers unique insights into what makes The Peninsula Hotels remarkable, the evolution of the hospitality industry, and his enduring love for Hong Kong.

Peter, congratulations on celebrating your 43rd anniversary with Peninsula! In your opinion, what makes The Peninsula Hotels so remarkable?

Thank you! What sets The Peninsula Hotels apart is our ownership structure, particularly the majority-owning Kadoorie family, which has been involved with this company for nearly 150 years. Our Chairman, Sir Michael Kadoorie, is one of the most dedicated hotel owners you could hope for. He constantly encourages us to push new boundaries in terms of quality and innovation while genuinely caring about our employees' well-being. This creates a culture where we feel like we’re working for a person, not just a corporation.

Another key aspect is our philosophy of ownership. We prefer to own the hotels we manage or at least have a significant stake in them, which allows us to maintain control over our brand and standards without too many compromises. When we have a financial involvement, we have greater say over how the hotels are run, which benefits both our guests and the long-term vision of the company.

It’s hard to have a favorite child, but if you had to pick a favorite (or two), which would they be and why?

I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of opening 10 out of our 12 hotels, and while I don’t have specific favorites, The Peninsula Hong Kong is undeniably special. It’s where our incredible brand began, and it has become one of the most famous hotels in the world. The Peninsula Hong Kong is deeply integrated into the dynamic city it calls home, and it’s a pleasure to be part of that.

When did you first arrive in Hong Kong, and how long have you called it home?

I arrived in Hong Kong 40 years ago, and it has been home ever since. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

What do you love most about living in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong energizes me. It’s a fantastic city for hospitality, with people who bring passion to their work. The energy and drive of the city are contagious, and it’s been exciting to watch Hong Kong evolve, reinvent itself, and strive for excellence.

On a personal note, I love nature, and despite being such a dense urban city, Hong Kong offers incredible access to mountains, beaches, and nature trails—right at your doorstep.

What is your idea of a perfect 3 days in Hong Kong?

A perfect three days in Hong Kong would be a mix of nature, culture, and local experiences. On the first day, I’d explore Hong Kong’s natural beauty with hikes, such as those around High Island Reservoir and Sai Kung Country Park, ending the day at Tai Long Wan beach. The second day would be spent on a day trip to the islands, with a seafood lunch on Lamma Island. For the last day, I’d discover some hidden gems like Chi Lin Nunnery, Kowloon Walled City Park, and Tai Wo Tang Café.

Clients often tell us, "Hong Kong has changed since COVID and the protests." What would you say in response to that?

At The Peninsula, we’ve always taken a long-term view. We’ve been through many ups and downs, including the SARS outbreak, the Asian financial crisis, and the handover. Despite these challenges, Hong Kong has always shown resilience. I have no doubt that the city will adapt and thrive again, and it’s as ready as ever to welcome visitors from around the world.