MARRIOTT International has unveiled plans to more than double the size of its Asia portfolio over the next few years.
With 132 hotels currently in operation and 143 properties in the pipeline in Asia, Marriott expects to grow its regional network to at least 265 hotels by 2016, encompassing more than 80,000 rooms in 16 countries.
The company already has 127 hotels opened and under development in China, and is also planning to beef up its India portfolio from 15 to more than 50 hotels.
Simon Cooper, president & managing director, Asia, Marriott International, said: “We have seen great growth across our portfolio and expect to be launching new brands in the region soon, with the introduction of Fairfield by Marriott in India next year and the launch of our Edition brand in Bangkok in 2014.”
Earlier this month, Marriott rolled out the Autograph Collection in Asia with the opening of The Stones Legian, Bali.
According to Cooper, China and India are “driving forces” for Marriott’s business in Asia, but the company is also “seeing growth with new signings and openings in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam and elsewhere in the region”.
Having launched its Li Yu programme in July (TTG Asia e-Daily, July 5, 2012), the company is also training its associates and teams outside of China in anticipation of the expected 80 million outbound Chinese travellers this year.
