Marriott has unveiled plans to expand its select
service portfolio in Greater China with the addition of 30 hotels
by the end of 2023.
The expansion of Marriott’s select service
portfolio – which currently includes Moxy Hotels, Fairfield by
Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, AC
Hotels by Marriott, Aloft Hotels and Element Hotels, across 67
cities in Greater China – complements an existing portfolio of
more than 460 properties, spanning 23 brands in 120 cities and
destinations in the region.
The company is also enhancing its strategic
positioning in Greater China through dual-brand projects and its
franchise-plus model.
In 2022, the
company signed six dual-brand hotel projects representing 14
hotels, among which three are under the Fairfield by Marriott
brand and two under the Four Points by Sheraton brand.
With the
franchise-plus model, Marriott helps to streamline hotel openings
and initial stage operations and uphold brand quality. The model
involves Marriott working closely with franchisees and
recommending candidates for the initial general manager who, once
employed by the franchisee, works toward the hotel opening and
throughout the initial year of operations by leveraging Marriott’s
supports, system and resources.
The brand debut of AC Hotels by
Marriott in Suzhou will take place in December 2022. Travelers
heading to iconic destinations such as Chengdu and Wuhan will soon
be able to enjoy AC Hotels’ seamless service and curated
furnishings and artwork.
The Moxy Hotels brand, which currently has six
existing hotels in five Chinese cities, is set to bring its “Play
On” spirit to more cities through its anticipated debut in Suzhou
and Xi’an, as well as Chongqing and Ningbo. Moxy
Hotels is expected to introduce a Chinese version of its design
prototype, incorporating local influences into its vibrant, social
interior spaces to offer guest experiences that are always buzzing
with high energy.
The opening of Fairfield by Marriott’s 150th
hotel in Greater China, the Fairfield by Marriott Hangzhou Xihu
District (pictured), earlier this year marked the company’s
ambition to further expand the brand. In 2023, ten Fairfield by Marriott hotels are expected to
enter several niche destinations in eastern China, including the
county-level cities Kunshan and Zhuji, which are the respective
origins of Kunqu Opera and Wuyue culture.
The Courtyard by Marriott brand
expects to celebrate its 50th hotel milestone in the Chinese
market in the middle of 2023, with anticipated property additions
in Chongli – the location for skiing events during the 2022 Winter
Olympics, as well as in Jiuzhaigou – a nature reserve designated
by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Four Points by Sheraton, with the most robust
share of Marriott’s select service pipeline in Greater China, expects to accelerate its growth in Greater China with over
five planned openings in 2023.
Aloft Hotels is set to expand its footprint
in 2023 with two hotel openings in Beijing and Yantai.
An Element Hotel is also scheduled to open in
Guangzhou Baiyun in 2023.
“Representing over 50 percent of Marriott
International hotels expected to open in Greater China across 2022
and 2023, our select service brand portfolio is a growth engine
for the company as we continue to expand,” said Gavin Yu, Chief
Development Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. “With
a well-defined ‘Brand + Destination’ development strategy, we see
great growth potential in providing approachable and
moderately-priced choices across emerging destinations. We plan to
continue to work with our owners and franchisees to enhance our
select-service brands portfolio through new-builds and conversions
in destinations where our guests aspire to travel.”
Marriott International is well-positioned in
Greater China with over 460 existing properties, spanning 23
brands in 120 cities and destinations.
