Marriott Escalating Growth In China

Marriott International today announced plans to double its portfolio in China by 2015, aided by seven newly signed management agreements for properties in the country.

By the end of 2010, Marriott plans to have 60 hotels open in China, including Ritz-Carlton properties opening in Hong Kong and Shanghai Pudong this year. The hotels cover six of Marriott's brands.

Signed hotels announced today include a 507-room Renaissance in Sanya and a 265-room Courtyard in Kunshan, both opening in 2011; a 320-room JW Marriott property in Dalian, a 269-room Renaissance in Zhuhai and a 260-room Courtyard in Fuzhou, all opening in 2013; a 350-room Marriott in Hangzhou, opening in 2014; and a 330-room Marriott in Shanghai, opening in 2015.

"China's buoyant tourism industry will host 2.1 billion domestic and international tourists this year, an increase of 12 percent over 2009," Marriott chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott Jr. said in a statement. "Within the next 10 years, China is expected to be the world's single largest source of international tourism and its number-one travel destination."