After strong development results in 2021, Marriott is expanding its presence in APAC with plans to introduce close to 100 new hotels, bringing the property count in the region to 1000 this year.
“We have worked closely with our owners throughout the last two years to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic, adapt quickly, and grow,” said Marriott International Group President, International, Craig S. Smith.
“This year, we expect to continue to drive demand and growth which is a testament to our talented teams committed to operational excellence, and the relationships we have with the customers we’re privileged to serve and the developers, owners, franchisees and partners we’re honoured to do business with.”
Last year, Marriott signed two new development deals a week on average in Asia Pacific, with deals signed in 13 different markets across the region.
Luxury and leisure among key trends
Marriott is confident that the APAC region is experience a number of similar trends to that of other markets globally, including the trend towards leisure travel and luxury experiences.
Research by ILTM Asia Pacific found that Greater China’s affluent population contributes to half of Asia Pacific’s total spending on airfare and lodging, and this demographic is continually seeking new and exciting luxury travel options. Marriott says Greater China remains an engine for growth, accounting for more than half of the chain’s anticipated luxury openings in APAC this year.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one brand that plans to expand its portfolio in Greater China, debuting its rare estate in the Jiuzhaigou valley. JW Marriott Hotel Changsha and W Macau – Studio City are among the other luxury China openings expected from the company this year.
As part of its leisure expansion, Marriott expects to bring its JW Marriott brand to Jeju in South Korea, with the opening of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa in May 2022. Meanwhile, Australia will welcome its third W hotel, with the opening of W Sydney in late 2022.
Wellness and wellbeing is high on the agenda at Westin Hotels & Resorts, with two new debuts in Yokohama and Cam Ranh.
Marriott’s select service portfolio is also set to grow in the region. Four Points by Sheraton has five openings planned for this year, while Moxy Hotels has plans to grow in Suzhou and Xi’an.
The company will also debut its AC Hotels brand in Korea with AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam and in Australia with AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank. In Japan, Fairfield by Marriott will introduce six new properties across Nara, Hokkaido and Hyogo with the aim of revitalising local sightseeing and rural destinations.