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FEATURE www.travelweeklyweb.com Hospitality companies continue expanding in China James Chen A decade since Asia's Dragon joined the World Trade Organisation, the country remains in a state of Rapid Development. This can be seen by the sheer number of hotels poised to open in Mainland China over the next three years. Accor Asia Pacific is one of the many hospitality groups looking to make a beeline into the country. With over 25 years of experience in the Chinese market, Accor has committed to open at least 51 new hotels and operate today 108 hotels in the Mainland. The group already has its Sofi tel, Pullman, Novotel, M Gallery, Grand Mercure, Mercure and ibis brands in the country. In its development plans, Pullman, Novotel and ibis will see the most aggressive growth. Pullman for example will see a close to 200 per cent increase. Marriott International currently has 56 open hotels in China representing The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard and Marriott Executive apartments. There are also an additional 28 in development and further hotels in some form of planning. Marriott International is well established in the gateway cities and is 4 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | 21 JUNE 2011 developing in second and third tier cities where we are seeing increasing demand for its products. While most of its hotels are city centre properties, Marriott also has three excellent resorts in Sanya, representing The Ritz- Carlton, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and the recently opened 500+ room Renaissance Sanya Resort and Spa. According to Daniel Ford, Marriot International's executive director of Communications for the Asia Pacific Region, the group plans to further strengthen its position in China with the opening of the Marriott Shanghai City Centre which will offer state of the art Mice facilities and 720 guest rooms. Accor and Marriot are definitely not alone. Four Seasons is poised for expansion into the Chinese market. The group entered the market in 2002 with the opening of Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, and more recently, opened hotels in Hong Kong, Macau and Hangzhou. Nine additional properties are in various stages of development with others in the works – including the company's fi rst two resorts in China. "More business and leisure travellers are visiting China than ever before, and with that comes increased expectations for superior service and product of the highest quality," said Christopher www.travelweeklyweb.com