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Starwood Hotel’s plans for 2011 are impressively ambitious:
the luxury hotel chain will open one hotel every two weeks in China.
This expansion will cement its lead as the largest high-end hotel operator in China,
with more than 70 existing hotels and a pipeline of over 90 new
hotels.  

“China continues to be the richest source of new Starwood
travelers with enrollment in our Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program
jumping 71% due to the strength of our growing hotel portfolio and distinct
brands that resonate with Chinese travelers,” said Frits van Paasschen,
President and CEO of Starwood. 

“Many predict that more than 70% of the world’s growth over
the next decade will come from emerging markets, which is consistent with
Starwood’s skew towards development in these markets,” van Paasschen added. “China
recognizes that hotels are an essential component of infrastructure growth, and
other fast growing markets are following suit.  As the world’s most global
hotel company with the strongest presence in emerging markets, these trends
work in our favor, and we could not be more bullish on our long-term
prospects.” 

Starwood’s first-mover advantage in China
dates back to 1985 with the landmark debut of The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing,
which was the first international branded hotel in the People’s Republic of China. 
“Starwood’s long legacy in China
gave us a considerable head start.  Today, with more than 30 years of
experience in the market, longstanding native Chinese teams and valuable
relationships with local owners and developers, this advantage continues to be
meaningful,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood’s Asia-Pacific
Division.

Starwood Hotels