Tourexpi
Marriott International reported record-setting
expansion in the Greater China region in 2025, signing more than 200 agreements
across its brand portfolio. The figure represents a 25% year-on-year increase
in annual signings, with the company averaging more than one deal every two
days and adding over 36,000 rooms to its regional development pipeline.
The results highlight Marriott’s continued strategic
focus on Greater China, one of its key global growth markets.
Continued confidence in the market
Yibing Mao, President, Greater China, Marriott
International, said: “Two consecutive years of record-breaking growth in the
region further exemplify our confidence in deepening Marriott’s footprint in
Greater China. Fueled by our continued focus on localization, this strong
momentum reinforces our long-term market potential and enables us to deliver
exceptional travel experiences across more destinations. Looking ahead, we
intend to remain steadfast to our customer-centric approach to deliver more
locally relevant products and experiences, further unlocking the power of
travel to connect guests with the journeys that matter most to them.”
Luxury and premium brands expand footprint
Luxury and premium brands remained a central pillar of
Marriott’s development strategy in 2025. Key signings are expected to
strengthen the company’s presence in major urban markets, including Guangzhou,
Shenzhen and Nanjing.
Among the notable projects, Marriott plans to
introduce its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Dunhuang, a historic destination
along the Silk Road. The coastal resort city of Sanya is also slated to welcome
its second St. Regis Resort.
In the premium segment, Marriott signed more than 30
agreements during the year. The company marked several milestones, including
the regional debut of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. Artik Suzhou, Apartments
by Marriott Bonvoy, signed in early 2025, opened in Suzhou on February 6, 2026,
less than a year after the agreement was concluded.
Design Hotels returned to mainland China with the
opening of The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake, while Renaissance, Westin and Sheraton
Hotels & Resorts are preparing to debut in additional destinations such as
Guangzhou, Ji’nan and Huangshan. Marriott also secured multiple dual-brand
projects aimed at offering more diversified travel experiences.
Select-service brands emerge as growth engine
Select-service brands continued to gain momentum, with
signed deal volume for Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, AC
Hotels and Moxy increasing by 40% compared with 2024.
Fairfield by Marriott reached a milestone of 150 open
and pipeline hotels in Greater China. Several properties achieved same-year
signing and opening, including projects near Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai
Xuhui Center and Chengdu Tianfu Square.
Four Points by Sheraton celebrated its 100th opening
in the region, supported by new agreements in major cities such as Beijing,
Chongqing and Shenzhen, as well as leisure destinations including Zhuhai,
Guilin and Lushan. AC Hotels by Marriott also expanded through multiple
signings in Hangzhou, Wuhan and Xiamen.
Conversions played an increasingly important role in
regional growth. Projects such as Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan and
AC Hotel Wuhan Hankou illustrate Marriott’s strategy of revitalizing existing
properties. The Westin Changsha, signed in August 2025 and opened by year-end,
further demonstrated the company’s operational efficiency in conversion-driven
expansion.
Strategic development outlook
Gavin Yu, Chief Development Officer, Greater China,
Marriott International, said: “Marriott's sustained growth in Greater China
through 2025 is underpinned by our robust brand influence, industry-leading
loyalty program and channel advantages, as well as the excellence of management
and franchising operation models. We plan to continue to cater to the evolving
market demands through strategic location planning and diversified travel
experiences, while consistently delivering value to our owners.”
Image
Credit: © Marriott International
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