Asia Pacific to lead growth for Starwood in 2010
27 January 2010
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has said that the Asia Pacific region will play a key part in its development plans for 2010.
In a statement, the hotel giant said the majority of the new 80-100 hotels it expects to open this year will be in Asia Pacific.
“Of these new hotels, roughly 70% will be outside of North America, with the majority in Asia Pacific,” the company stated.
Starwood said it plans to double its portfolio in China to 100 hotels by 2012. For 2010, it plans to open approximately 30 hotels in the country, including opening the first hotels in mainland China under The Luxury Collection and W brands.
The Sheraton brand will account for half the year’s total openings, the company said, while the St. Regis, Westin, Le Meridien and Four Points by Sheraton brands will also increase their Chinese presence in 2010.
In India, Starwood said it planned to increase its portfolio by roughly 60% by the end of 2012. It currently has 25 hotels operational in the country. Its expansion in India will be fueled by several brands including Westin, which will open two new hotels in India this year, and the Aloft brand, which is set to have three hotels in India by the end of 2010.
“When you take a look at India and China combined, you have 40% of the world’s population, and between them, they are averaging 8% growth in GDP,” said Simon Turner, president of global development for Starwood. “By working to further establish relationships with travelers in these critical, high-growth markets today, we are ensuring the success of Starwood tomorrow.”
