The global hospitality community lost one of its icons with the passing of Regent International Hotels founder Robert H Burns on 29th August.
While he spent over five decades in Hong Kong where the Regent brand changed the face of the hospitality scene, Burns peacefully ended his days at the age of 96 in Syracuse, NY surrounded by family.
Burns is survived by his wife Janice and son Robert III.
Saluting a visionary
Fondly called Bob by family and friends, Burns will be remembered as not only a visionary hotelier who set new standards for modern luxury hospitality, but also as a travel industry advocate who dedicated himself to nurturing future generations of hoteliers whilst promoting responsible tourism.
To everyone who knew him, he exuded charm, elegance and refinement, qualities that certainly helped throughout his years in travel and hospitality.
That said, his pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication helped redefine luxury hospitality on both a regional and an international scale, eventually shaping the Regent brand into a global icon of elegance and sophistication.
Remembering where it all began
Burns’ journey into luxury hospitality began in 1970, when he established Regent International Hotels in partnership with Japan's Tokyu Group.
The unveiling of the first Regent property in Honolulu in 1971 marked the dawn of a new era, blending Asian warmth with unparalleled global refinement.
A decade later, in 1980, Burns realised his most ambitious vision with the opening of Regent Hong Kong.
This landmark moment introduced groundbreaking amenities and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, earning the hotel worldwide acclaim and the esteemed title of Best Hotel in the World.
Burns would eventually serve on various hotel and real estate boards including Wharf (Holdings) Limited in Hong Kong and Oberoi Hotels in India.
Indeed, when he helped to develop Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island, the property’s grateful owner paid homage to him by creating the now-iconic Bob's Bar.
For the next generation
Burns’ influence extended far beyond operations, quietly fostering industry growth through education and ardent advocacy.
He was always passionate about advancing tourism and the hospitality industry; so much, in fact, that he took the training of future hoteliers seriously.
That said, he was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Management and the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management.
The seasoned hotelier also gave annual lectures at Stanford University.
Outside of work, Burns was an avid jazz lover and was an executive board member for Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
