Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide expects to open another 70-80 high quality new-build and conversion hotels in 2011, coming off of the 72 opened and 96 new deals signed in 2010.
Propelled by unprecedented demand for hotels in the world’s fastest growing markets, Starwood will open nearly 70% of its new hotels outside North America, with the majority in Asia-Pacific.
Of the new hotels Starwood is opening this year, 60% will be in the luxury and upper-upscale segment, including six St. Regis hotels and two Luxury Collection properties. This year, Starwood will also open its 100th hotel under its St. Regis and Luxury Collection brands.
“Starwood is well positioned to meet the resurgence in demand for luxury lodging and now offers more luxury in more destinations than any hotel company,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood.
“At the same time, we are also leveraging our global advantage in key international markets where building hotels is critical to developing infrastructure. The world’s rising economic powers are expected to surpass established markets by 2050, and our footprint is growing accordingly.”