(14/11/22) 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.
Entrance of the Fairfield by Marriott Hangzhou Xihu District
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.
Upcoming Openings Across Greater China
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.
