Demonstrating continued confidence in the recovery and long-term tourism growth of Greater China, Marriott International says it will add more than 50 hotels in over 30 destinations across the region this year, with the 500th hotel set to open in early 2023.
Marriott International’s expansion will include a growing presence of luxury hotels in leisure destinations, such as a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in China’s Jiuzhaigou Valley and W Macau – Studio City scheduled to open this year; an injection of more than 15 premium branded hotels in popular getaways cities such as Chengdu, Xi’an, Sanya and Qinhuangdao; and a larger Sheraton portfolio.
The company’s select service brand portfolio will continue to drive growth in Greater China, with more than half of all hotels in the pipeline belonging to that category. According to WTTC and Trip.com‘s Trending in Travel report, rural and suburban destinations in China demonstrated strong growth in booking rates in 2021, which indicates an increased tendency among people to travel beyond first-tier cities. In light of this trend, Marriott International will further expand the presence of its select service brands in secondary and tertiary destinations this year.
In a press statement, Henry Lee, president, Greater China, Marriott International, said: “Greater China is an important growth market for us. In the past three years, Marriott International has expanded its footprint in the region with an average of 40 hotel additions per year. Currently, our portfolio includes 448 hotels spanning 23 brands across more than 110 cities in Greater China.”
Lee shared that the company will abide by its “Brand + Destination” development strategy, by working closely with owners and franchisees to drive travel demand.
Marriott International’s hotel expansion will result in new job opportunities.
