If you haven't already noticed a trend here, China is fast becoming the top destination for international hotel brands, such as Carlson, Shangri-La and St. Regis, to expand their markets to.
Marriott is no exception.
Currently operating 56 hotels in China, Marriott International is further cementing its leadership in the country's hospitality sector with the signing of its 100th hotel – the 345-room JW Marriott Hotel Shenyang.
Marriott International, representing The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments brands, has a pipeline of 44 confirmed projects across it brand portfolio.
With China being one of the brand's most important markets outside of the states, Marriott International expects to open a hotel in China at the rate of one per month for the next three years to come.
The US-based brand has also recently became the first international lodging group to move its entire Asia-Pacific HQ to China, to be closer and more responsive to their key growth market of the market.
“While we have been operating in Hong Kong since 1989, we are a relative newcomer to the mainland, having opened our first Marriott-branded hotel in China only in 1998. However, during this relatively short history on the mainland, we have seen consistent growth, as we have reached the benchmark of 100 hotels open or under development here," said Marriott's Asia Pacific president and managing director, Simon Cooper.
Since the introduction of the free-to-join loyalty programme, Marriott Rewards, membership has increased by some 50% in Asia over just three years, and is expected to double in China by the end of the year.
It is no doubt that international hotel brands have seen a stellar growth among Chinese guests all around the world over the past few years, and with China itself being the fastest growing market for tourists as well.
