Marriott International, Inc., announced plans to expand its portfolio in Greater China with the anticipated addition of 47 hotels in 2023, comprising more than 12,000 rooms, which would bring the company’s presence in the region to more than 500 properties and well over 150,000 rooms by this year’s end.
The overall expansion builds on the company’s “Brand + Destination” development strategy to enhance guest accommodations through the company’s portfolio of 30 iconic brands. Encompassing luxury, premium and select service brands, Marriott is already well positioned in Greater China with more than 475 hotels across more than 130 destinations. The footprint is slated to grow across key regions, with significant development in the Yangtze Delta Region, the Greater Bay Area and the Bohai Rim Economic Circle.
“Greater China’s domestic travel base has proven tremendously resilient and we expect that to continue and to evolve positively along with international travel dynamics,” said Yibing Mao, President, Greater China, Marriott International.
“With an eye on changing guest demand, we are strategically building our portfolio under the ‘Brand + Destination’ strategy and matching brands with complementary destinations to inspire more guests to explore the region.”
Curating Unique Luxury Experiences in New Destinations
Marriott International’s presence in the world’s most exciting destinations and unrivaled protfolio of luxury hotels will be further strengthened by the anticipated addition of properties including Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve nestled near the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province, W Macau – Studio City, and JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an.
Joining an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world, Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is expected to debut in China this year. Located in the southwest of China, 400 kilometers from the city of Chengdu in Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve. Set in a nature reserve, the exotic sanctuary will feature 87 private villas and immersive experiences deeply rooted in the history, culture and natural beauty of the destination.
W Hotels anticipates expanding its elevated design, regionally inspired programming and iconic “Whatever/Whenever” service with the slated opening of W Macau – Studio City. Scheduled for the third quarter of 2023, the brand will be making its debut in Macau and is expected to feature a W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature on-site recording studio, boosting innovation in travel for a new generation.
Later in the year, JW Marriott Hotels will continue its emphasis on mindfulness and well-being with the anticipated opening of JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an. Located at the heart of Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone, the new hotel will offer a panoramic view of the city with 333 modern guest rooms and two dining destinations – JW Kitchen and Jin Wei Court Chinese Restaurant. Set to showcase the beauty and history of the destination, the hotel will provide a haven for mindful guests to focus on balancing their mind, body and spirit.
Matching Demand for Premium Brands
Tapping into evolving guest demands for high-quality service and immersive experiences, Marriott International expects to add 20 properties under the company’s premium brand portfolio across brands including Westin Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments, Autograph Collection Hotels and Tribute Portfolio Hotels & Resorts.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is slated to debut in four destinations – Beihai, Ninghai Xuzhou and Taizhou – to continue its transformation journey in Greater China. These additional Sheraton properties will feature an intuitive and holistic experience, with spaces for guests to interact be productive, and feel connected to the local community.
With six expected additions in 2023, Marriott Hotels will offer its heartfelt service, modern design and enriching experience that blends leisure and business. Expected brand debuts in emerging cities, such as Shaoxing, Foshan and Shantou, will expand the reach of Marriott Hotels to even more guests in Greater China. The planned debut of Foshan Marriott Hotel, Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Baiyun, and Zhuhai Marriott Hotel Jinwan will complement the company’s existing presence in The Greater Bay Area, which has the potential to become a world-class tourist hotspot with its rich cultural resources and heritage. Meanwhile, Shaoxing Marriott Shangyu Hotel and Shantou Marriott Hotel are well-positioned to capture the increasing guest demand for enriching cultural experiences in historic cities.
Westin Hotels and Resorts expects to debut in the historic city of Shenyang of Liaoning province and in Yantai, the core city of the Bohai Economic Rim, providing signature wellness programs that empower guests to regain control and enhance their well-being when they need it most while traveling. Autograph Collection Hotels anticipates its debut in the city of Qingdao of Shandong province, combining the captivating culture of the coastal city with a distinct perspective on design and hospitality. Delta Hotels by Marriott plans to welcome two new properties in the historic city of Xi’an of Shaanxi province and the natural reserve of Jiuzhaigou, bringing the brand’s seamless travel experience to the two destinations.
Select Service Brands as A Growth Driver
Select service brands are expected to represent over half of Marriott International’s openings across Greater China this year, with 24 planned additions across brands including Courtyard by Marriott Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton Hotels, Fairfield by Marriott, AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, and Element Hotels. Debuts in emerging cities and destinations are set to be key drivers of the expansion, such as in Yuyao and Zhuji in Zhejiang province and Qiongzhong in Hainan province. The additions will help inspire domestic travel by enabling guests to explore new areas in first- and second-tier cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, as well as in popular leisure destinations including Qiandao Lake and Jiuzhaigou. The anticipated openings underscore the increasing demand from modern travelers for unique experiences and moderately priced choices.
Marriott International’s development strategy for Greater China signals the company’s desire to contribute to the local tourism industry through hotel openings and job creation, adding to the high quality and sustainable development of the Chinese travel industry. The company’s award-winning travel program, Marriott Bonvoy, will also continue to build meaningful connections with guests through its portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands and money-can’t-buy experiences.
