Marriott focuses on local expansion with plans to open 1,000th APAC hotel in 2022

Marriott focuses on local expansion with plans to open 1,000th APAC hotel in 2022
By Alexandra Coulton


To say Marriott International has big plans for the APAC region this year would be an understatement.

The US-based hotel giant claims it has the largest pipeline in the region and it’s about to get even bigger as the company prepares to reach its target of opening its 1,000th hotel in the Asia Pacific, with 100 properties scheduled to open this year alone.

Marriott has been busy identifying key trends shaping hospitality development, which the brand credits to its decision to expand its reach in the area.

In 2022, as leisure demand continues to outpace business travel, Marriott plans to strengthen its presence across several leisure destinations.

In late 2022, the brand will open W Sydney (pictured above), marking the third W hotel in the country, as well as debuting its AC Hotels brand with AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank.

AC Hotels will also debut in Korea with AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam, as well as the JW Marriott brand with the opening of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa in May 2022.

AC Hotels Seoul Gangnam

With wellness and well-being remaining a continued priority for many travellers, the company’s leading wellness brand, Westin Hotels & Resorts, is expected to celebrate two new debuts in Yokohama and Cam Ranh in 2022.

Greater China remains an engine for the company’s growth, as it accounts for more than half of the company’s anticipated luxury openings in the Asia Pacific in 2022.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its highly curated portfolio in Greater China, debuting its first rare estate in the historic Jiuzhaigou valley later this year. Additional expected luxury openings in 2022 include JW Marriott Hotel Changsha and W Macau – Studio City.

Four Points by Sheraton expects to continue its growth with five planned openings throughout the year, while Moxy Hotels anticipates continuing to share its playful spirit in destinations such as Suzhou and Xi’an.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou

In Japan, Fairfield by Marriott expects to continue to strengthen its presence with six new properties planned to open across Nara, Hokkaido and Hyogo along ‘Michi-no-Eki’ roadside stations aimed at revitalizing the country’s local sightseeing spots and well-hidden rural destinations.

Craig S. Smith, group president for Marriott International, said he is pleased with Marriott’s 2021 developments in the region, and with good reason.

“We have worked closely with our owners throughout the last two years to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic, adapt quickly, and grow,” Smith said.

“Last year in the Asia Pacific, we signed two new development deals a week on average, with deals signed in 13 different markets across the region.

“This year, we expect to continue to drive demand and growth which is a testament to our talented teams committed to operational excellence, and the relationships we have with the customers we’re privileged to serve and the developers, owners, franchisees and partners we’re honoured to do business with.”

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