Joe Hoskin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Beijing Resort, was recently awarded the Beijing Great Wall Friendship Award by the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Beijing. The Beijing Great Wall Friendship Award is the highest honor granted by Beijing to foreign nationals in the city.
Joe Hoskin, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Universal Beijing Resort, welcomed guests with classic movie characters, guest representatives and team members
"Universal Beijing Resort has always been committed to creating a dream destination for guests. I am deeply honored to represent Universal Beijing Resort and receive this award from the Beijing government," said Mr. Hoskin. "From the beginning of the project until now, with the support of our partners, Universal Beijing Resort Team Members have made great efforts to create a world-class entertainment destination for our guests and a model of excellence worldwide, contributing to the development of the local community and the theme park industry. This makes us feel happy and proud."
Mr. Hoskin started his career at Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2016 supporting Universal Beijing Resort and was appointed as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Beijing Resort since 2021. From the beginning of the project, Mr. Hoskin has been devoted to the preparations of building Universal Beijing Resort and assembling an international team of the highest caliber talent. Together with our Team Members, Mr. Hoskin witnessed and participated in the creation of this immersive theme park resort from blueprint to reality.
Create a dream destination of blockbuster fun
Universal Beijing Resort includes seven themed lands consisting of Universal’s best rides, shows and attractions. Since Grand Opening in September 2021, Universal Beijing Resort has created countless shining moments with tens of millions of guests from around the world. Mr. Hoskin has been a part of this amazing journey co-created by guests and Universal Beijing Resort.
"Every time I walk in the resort, I am fortunate to see the smiling faces of our guests as they gather to relax and play, celebrate birthdays, take pictures, propose to loved ones, and experience the blockbuster movie world with family and friends” said Mr. Hoskin. “Guests often sincerely say, 'we love it here at Universal.' Some tell me that their children are the same age as Universal Beijing Resort. I often say that Universal Beijing Resort is a big family, and we are growing up together with our guests."
Mr. Hoskin "walks the resort" 7-8 times a week or over 400 times a year to inspect show quality, listen to guest feedback, and support Team Members. "For many guests, Universal Beijing Resort is the first theme park they have ever visited, and I hope that because of our efforts, everyone can have a wonderful and extraordinary experience," Mr. Hoskin said. "Talking to guests and Team Members directly provides a good opportunity to better understand their experience, while discovering opportunities for further improvement."
A tourism landmark in Beijing with always-new experiences
Mr. Hoskin, who speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese, has decades of working experience in Asia and is familiar with the China market. At the same time, Mr. Hoskin possesses a deep emotional bond with Beijing.
"Since Grand Opening over two years ago, Universal Beijing Resort is beloved by our guests nationwide and has won top recognition from the theme park industry world-wide, including Best Theme Park, Best Live Event, and Best Attraction,” said Mr. Hoskin. " Beijing is China’s cultural and international exchange center with rich historical heritage, fast-changing development and the blend of modern and traditional. We are delighted to see that the successful opening and operation of Universal Beijing Resort has added more international, modern, and dynamic charm to this ancient city."
The continuous growth of Universal Beijing Resort is also reflected in its “always-new experience”. Since Grand Opening, Universal Beijing Resort has continuously innovated based on its movie DNA, Chinese and international elements, traditional and trendy cultural experiences, and exciting new seasonal events. From vibrant spring to relaxing summer, from "thrilling" autumn to festive winter, the charm of Universal Beijing Resort continues to rejuvenate, allowing guests to experience something new with each visit.
During 2024 Chinese New Year, Universal Beijing Resort launched the enhanced "Universal’s Chinese New Year" seasonal event, inviting guests to welcome the Year of the Dragon in a new and celebratory way, immersing themselves in "a new way to celebrate Chinese New Year with Universal’s new flavor." In March, Universal Beijing Resort presented the first "surprise" of spring, ushering in the vibrant spring season. Classic characters and experiences in the blockbuster world took the stage, awakening the spirit of spring. The all-new Universal Studios Beijing Annual Pass – Light, is now available for a limited time. And the first Annual Passholders Appreciation Days’ event is also making an exciting debut. The surprises at Universal Beijing Resort will extend far beyond with the brand new spring-themed event—Universal Beijing Resort Spring Carnival—launching in late March. When the exciting celebration and energetic interactions come together, the springtime vibe will be at its peak.
As a new tourism landmark in Beijing, Universal Beijing Resort also injects vigor into regional tourism development. In 2022, Universal CityWalk Beijing was successfully selected as a National Night Culture and Tourism Consumption Agglomeration Zone, helping to build Beijing as an international consumption center city.
The Beijing Great Wall Friendship Award has given Mr. Hoskin encouragement and confidence: "Universal Beijing Resort will continue to bring wonderful and unique experiences to guests and create more brilliant stories together with Beijing and industry partners. We are full of confidence in the future of Universal Beijing Resort."